Asfandyar Kakar, a former minister with a PPP background, and Mr. Lehri, once affiliated with the PPP, chose independent candidacy after being denied the party ticket. The PPP hinted at another independent MPA joining its ranks soon. However, the party is yet to finalize its candidate for the top position to lead the forthcoming Balochistan government.

Internal deliberations within the PPP high command, held in Islamabad, revolved around the formation of a coalition government in Balochistan. Three potential candidates for the coalition government’s leadership emerged: Sardar Sanaullah Zehri, Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and Zahoor Buledi. The process, however, faces competition from PML-N, as claimed by Balochistan PML-N chief Shiekh Jaffar Khan Mandokhail, who asserted the right of his party to form a coalition government.

Amid these regional dynamics, a joint press conference by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Asif Ali Zardari, and Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad announced the collaboration between PPP and PML-N to form a government post the February 8 polls. Shehbaz Sharif was declared the next prime minister, while Asif Zardari emerged as the joint presidential candidate for both parties.

This development came at a crucial time for Pakistan, grappling with political uncertainty and an impending economic crisis. Responding to questions about the legitimacy of their government formation, Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the PTI, despite being the single largest party in the National Assembly, failed to prove its majority. The PML-N and PPP’s decision to move forward with government formation was deemed necessary to dispel the uncertainty post a contentious election.

The PPP’s commitment to not occupy cabinet positions in the federal government aligns with its initial stance. Instead, it aims to secure key roles such as the governorship in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Senate’s chairpersonship, and the formation of a coalition government in Balochistan with PML-N’s support. The PML-N, in return, anticipates securing the speaker’s position in the National Assembly and governorships in Sindh and Balochistan.

With the three major political parties forming governments in different provinces, it signifies a positive step toward a balanced distribution of power. The PTI, opting for opposition, continues to challenge alleged election irregularities. While some suggest a potential coalition between PTI and PPP could have been advantageous, the PTI’s decision aligns with its voters’ expectations.

As PDM 2.0 takes shape, ushering in a new government with Shehbaz Sharif as the potential prime minister and Zardari eyeing the presidency, challenges loom. This iteration differs from its predecessor, lasting a full five years, providing stability but posing its own set of challenges. Despite concerns about a potentially weak government, both PPP and PML-N have vested interests in preserving the system, ensuring a contentious yet enduring political landscape.

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