Pakistan: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Steps Back From PM Bid, Endorses PML-N's Nominee Nawaz Sharif For Premier

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari announced on Tuesday (13 February) that he would not be contesting for the position of prime minister, opting instead to support the candidate nominated by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) without seeking a role in the government.

Bilawal's decision came shortly after former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that Nawaz Sharif, the supremo of PML-N, would be the prime minister for a fourth term as per a report by NDTV.

Speaking at a press conference following the meeting of PPP's high-powered Central Executive Committee (CEC), Bilawal stated that his party did not secure a mandate to form the government at the federal level.

"As a result, I have decided not to put myself forward as a candidate for the prime minister of Pakistan," he remarked. Bilawal cited the refusal of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf to form a coalition with PPP, leaving PML-N as the sole party to invite PPP for government formation.

Explaining the rationale behind supporting the rival party's candidate, Bilawal emphasised the importance of ensuring political stability in the country.

He announced that PPP would form a committee to engage with other political entities for government formation and political harmony.

"We do not wish to exacerbate the crisis in the country. Our aim is to restore political stability and put an end to the toxic political environment," Bilawal asserted.

PPP, he stated, would extend support on key matters to ensure the formation of a stable government without directly participating in it.

Responding to queries, Bilawal mentioned his father, former President Asif Ali Zardari, as a potential candidate for the presidency, given his capability to address the current challenges facing the nation.

Regarding PPP's previous experience with PML-N, Bilawal acknowledged concerns raised by party leaders during the coalition government's tenure, noting that their issues were not adequately addressed.

He ruled out the possibility of fresh elections due to the fragmented mandate and expressed commitment to forming a parliament after the recent elections, affirming that the electorate's trust would not be betrayed.

The 08 February polls resulted in a fractured mandate, with independent candidates, largely supported by PTI, securing the most seats in the National Assembly, followed by PML-N and PPP.