Following the failure to secure a two-thirds majority in the centre, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has commenced discussions with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) to explore potential alliances.
Sources privy to the development said that PML-N leader Shahbaz Sharif engaged in telephone conversations with PPPP chief Asif Ali Zardari, and JUI-F's supremo Fazlur Rehman and MQM-P's top brass.
During his conversation with Zardari, Sharif extended congratulations to the PPP for its commendable performance in the recent elections and expressed a keen interest in discussing crucial national issues.
Read here: Nawaz invites rivals to join hands for prosperity
"The country's challenges demand a unified effort to steer us out of the economic turmoil," remarked Shahbaz Sharif, stressing the importance of collaboration among political parties.
He underscored the indispensability of support from all quarters to overcome the current vortex of challenges.
In response, Zardari reportedly conveyed his openness to dialogue, stating, "Mian Sahib's residence is like our own home; you are welcome anytime." The exchange hints at a potential meeting between the two leaders shortly, sources suggest.
Furthermore, Shahbaz Sharif also reached out to MQM, discussing avenues for mutual cooperation and potential involvement in government formation talks, according to sources privy to the discussions.
With expectations high for a possible meeting within the next twenty-four hours between Shahbaz Sharif and Maulana Fazlur Rehman, political observers keenly await the outcome of these deliberations, as they could significantly shape the country's political landscape in the coming days.