In a significant development for Pakistan’s political landscape, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari have reportedly held a crucial meeting in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of the meeting, according to media reports, was to consult and determine the optimal timing for the upcoming general elections in the country. Furthermore, the leaders aimed to discuss the allocation of “their respective share” in the future political setup, addressing key issues such as the selection of caretaker officials and the distribution of key positions if their parties emerge victorious in the next elections. This exclusive meeting between Nawaz Sharif, the leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Zardari, the co-chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), both partners in the ruling coalition known as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), took place in Dubai on Monday.
According to insider sources, the uncertainty surrounding the forthcoming general elections may soon dissipate as the top leadership of the two major coalition partners in the federal government concludes their extensive deliberations in the UAE. The discussions held during this meeting are expected to pave the way for an agreement on crucial matters, rather than engaging in prolonged debates at lower levels that would consume valuable time. With Pakistan currently grappling with significant political and economic challenges, preparations for the general elections have already begun with a recent meeting of the election commission. Additionally, the PDM is confronting the formidable challenge posed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The current National Assembly is set to complete its five-year term on August 12, necessitating fresh general elections within 60 days as stipulated in the Pakistani Constitution.
A trusted insider from the PML-N revealed that the primary focus of the Sharif-Zardari meeting was to deliberate on elections, potentially scheduled for October or beyond. Should the elections proceed as planned, the caretaker setup at the center would be selected according to the preferences of the PPP and PML-N, with the consultation of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, an influential figure in the coalition.
Monday marked the initial meeting between the two sides, and it is anticipated that further discussions will continue until a consensus is reached on three critical issues: the election date, the structure of the caretaker administration, and whether to contest the elections independently or form strategic seat adjustments. Moreover, the controversy surrounding key appointments within two leading national institutions, namely the National Database and Registration Authority and the Pakistan Cricket Board, will also be addressed.
Notably, Nawaz Sharif’s daughter, Maryam, and Asif Ali Zardari’s son, Bilawal, are already present in Dubai, further strengthening the significance of these deliberations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to join the talks, contributing to the collective decision-making process.
As Pakistan awaits the outcome of these crucial discussions, the nation’s political landscape stands poised for potential shifts and power dynamics that could shape its future. The ramifications of these meetings could extend beyond the immediate future, influencing the trajectory of Pakistan’s political sphere for years to come.
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