PML-N, PPP agree to contest by-polls jointly

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have reached an understanding to contest the upcoming by-elections together under a joint strategy.

A PMLN delegation comprising Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry met former prime minister and President PPP Central Punjab Raja Pervez Ashraf and Secretary General PPP Parliamentarians Nayyar Hussain Bukhari at Raja’s residence to finalise the plan. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Raja said both parties had agreed on a formula in line with the directives of their leaderships. He explained that wherever the PPP candidate had finished as runner-up in the general election, the PMLN would withdraw in its favour, while the PPP would reciprocate in constituencies where PMLN candidates stood second.

Hanif Abbasi confirmed the arrangement, noting that a similar formula had been applied in previous by-elections. “Both parties are allies in the Senate, National Assembly and provincial legislatures. We will contest the by-polls jointly and secure success,” he added.

Raja Pervez Ashraf said the meeting was held on the instructions of their respective leaderships and thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for supporting the consensus formula. “The decision to contest by-elections together has been finalised amicably,” he remarked.

Abbasi reiterated that the alliance between the two parties was based on political maturity. “The entire country should know that we are allies, and our leadership continues to demonstrate wise decision-making,” he said.