PML-N, MQM reach 'principle' agreement on government formation: sources

The PML-N and MQM-P have reached an agreement in 'principle' to work together towards forming the next government after a crucial meeting in Lahore. The PML-N delegation, led by party supremo Nawaz Sharif, and the Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui-led MQM-P delegation discussed the formation of a new government and the future political strategy during the moot. Sources say the Karachi-based party has asked for the governorship of Sindh and being a part of federal projects in Karachi if the PML-N comes into power. Nawaz in return, sources added, assured MQM-P and said the PML-N would also play a conciliatory role between their party and PPP. Former premier Shehbaz Sharif and PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz also attended the meeting, while the MQM-P delegation comprised Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Dr Farooq Sattar and Mustafa Kamal. In the aftermath of the electoral storm that swept through Thursday's general elections, leaving behind allegations of pre-poll trickery and delayed results, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif put on a brave face by claiming a victory. Read Nawaz put on a brave face In a strategic move, Nawaz unveiled plans to build a coalition, nominating key figures of his party former prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar to engage the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and other smaller groups, mainly the component parties that were allies in the previous 16-month term of PDM to form a coalition government with his party at the forefront. However, his optimistic vision clashes with the stark reality portrayed by the Election Commission of Pakistan's (ECP) dashboard, which paints a different picture of electoral outcomes. Independent candidates, an overwhelming majority of them backed by PTI, dominate the tally, and questions arise regarding PML-N's ability to secure a majority to form a government.

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