The coordination committee of the PPP and the PML-N would again meet on Monday (tomorrow) to finalise the power-sharing formula, as the country sees a coalition government after the elections.

There had been “significant progress” in talks with both sides, a brief announcement issued by PML-N after the meeting on Saturday. It stressed the need for a “strong democratic government”.

The statement was issued after a meeting of coordination committees of both parties in Islamabad. Several proposals regarding government formation were deliberated in the meeting.

The PML-N was represented by Ishaq Dar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan while the PPP was represented by former Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah, Saeed Ghani, Qamar Zaman Kaira, Nadeem Afzal Chan and Nawab Sanaullah Zehri.

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif has emerged as the joint coalition candidate for the prime ministerial position. The old coalition partners in the assembly would support him.

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Unlike in the past, this time the PPP has refused to join the future government, but had assured the PML-N of its support in the formation of the government and election of the prime minister.

Earlier, it was reported that the PPP wanted to finalise the government formation soon with an agreement. The Sindh based party has sought the PML-N’s support for the president, National Assembly speaker, and the Senate chairman positions. It has also called for making a comprehensive plan for economic stability.

Sources said that the PPP has sought the Senate chairman seat while the PML-N wanted to have the NA deputy speaker seat. The names of Yousaf Raza Gilani and Raja Pervaiz Ashraf are under consideration for the NA speaker position.