Progress eludes bid to forge PMLN-IPP alliance

PMLN is not ready to accommodate anyone on its leadership seat, say sources

By Raees Ansari
December 23, 2023

LAHORE: No progress has been made in the electoral alliance between Pakistan Muslim League (N) and Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP).

According to sources, negotiations between the committees of the two parties are going on. The IPP has demanded 26 National Assembly and 50 Provincial Assembly seats.

Flags and signboards of IPP can be seen in this image released on October 28, 2023. — Facebook/Abdul Aleem Khan
Flags and signboards of IPP can be seen in this image released on October 28, 2023. — Facebook/Abdul Aleem Khan

The PMLN is not ready to accommodate anyone on its leadership seat. The party is also not willing to make an alliance on a large number of seats, sources said.

The question of alliance with the IPP was raised in a meeting of the PMLN parliamentary board. Maryam Nawaz and Aleem Khan will face each other in the election for NA-119, sources said. The PMLN can form an electoral alliance on NA-117 for Aleem Khan and NA-127 can be considered for Aun Chaudhry, it was learnt. The PMLN can also go for an alliance on the Lodhran seat for Jahangir Tareen.

On the other hand, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) is not ready to give the NA-242 Karachi seat to Shehbaz Sharif. The PMLN president is likely to visit Karachi for talks with the MQM.