Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has declared co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari as the party's nominee for the presidential position, stressing that such constitutional roles are their prerogative.
During a press conference following a two-day Central Executive Committee meeting, Bilawal Bhutto stated his desire to see his father, Asif Ali Zardari, assume the presidency. He emphasized that amid the country's significant crisis, Asif Ali Zardari possesses the capability to address the challenges effectively.
Highlighting the party's stance on constitutional positions, Bilawal mentioned that PPP will nominate candidates for the president, Senate Chairman, and National Assembly (NA) speaker positions.
Furthermore, Bilawal Bhutto dismissed the prospect of PPP joining any coalition government, stating that the party will support the prime ministerial candidate from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) but remain in the opposition.
Acknowledging the party's limited mandate to form a government at the federal level, Bilawal clarified that he will not seek the candidacy for prime minister, given the higher number of seats held by PML-N and independents.
Regarding coalition possibilities, Bilawal mentioned that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had declined to form a coalition with PPP, leaving PML-N as the only viable option for collaboration.
Earlier, senior PPP members advised Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari against forming a coalition government with PML-N and recommended sitting in opposition instead. The majority of committee members suggested respecting the mandate of independent candidates leading in the National Assembly according to ECP election 2024 results.
The CEC members advocated for PPP's opposition stance, viewing making their party's prime minister as a political setback. Some also proposed engaging in discussions with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rather than PML-N.
