Sharif, Zardari declare alliance in Pakistan

Pakistan's political drama has taken a new twist with the declaration of alliance between Zardari and Sharif. As the whole world waits to see the revival of democracy in Pakistan, this alliance will face a lot of skepticism and speculation until it is consolidated, reports CNBC-TV18.

Asif Zardari and Nawaz Sharif sealed their victory with a promise to form coalitions at the Centre and the provinces. They also sought to scotch speculation about differences over reinstating the judiciary.

Nawaz Sharif, Former PM, Pakistan said, “We don’t foresee any problem in forming a government at the Centre and the provinces. We’ll work together to form a government in the Centre. In principle there’s no disagreement on restoration of judiciary, we’ll work out the modalities in Parliament.”

Meanwhile, Asif Zardari, Co-Chairman, PPP said, “Government is a serious business, it cannot be finalised in a two hour meeting. In principle we have agreed to stay together.”

Nawaz Sharif committed his party to backing the PPP government for a full five-year term, but said nothing about impeaching President Musharraf. Commenting on this Sharif said, “Musharraf should accept this verdict at the earliest.”

Nor was there any mention of who will become Prime Minister although sources in Islamabad told CNN IBN that Amin Fahim of the PPP would assume that post. Both said they were committed to restoring the 1973 constitution. That constitution vested all power in the prime minister. They are also committed to ensuring a UN probe into Benazir Bhutto's assassination

A meeting of the PPP's newly elected members of the National Assembly is scheduled for Friday. Earlier, Afsandyar Wali of the ANP and Zardari agreed to work together in the centre and in the Frontier Province. The Punjab assembly dominated by Sharif's party will also become part of this alliance. Out on the streets though there is a contradiction.