Sharifs and Bhuttos to jointly contest bypolls in Pakistan

Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 18:37 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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PML‑N and PPP Announce Joint Front for Pakistan By‑Polling Campaign

In a bold move that could reshape the political landscape ahead of Pakistan’s next general elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) – led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif – and the Pakistan Peoples Party – headed by Bilawal Bhutto‑Zardari – have announced that they will contest the 33‑seat by‑polls together. The announcement, made on 22 February 2024, comes at a time of heightened political rivalry, as the ruling Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) hopes to secure a majority in the upcoming National Assembly elections.

Why a Joint Contest?

The by‑polls, scheduled for 12 March, were triggered by the deaths and resignations of several sitting members. According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), 33 seats across the country will be up for grabs, making it the most substantial by‑poll exercise in recent history. While the PTI has pledged to contest all 33 seats, the opposition parties – traditionally fragmented – have opted for a different strategy.

“Pakistan’s opposition must stand as a single front,” said Nawaz Sharif in a televised briefing. “By pooling our resources and presenting unified candidates, we aim to give the electorate a clear choice that reflects the opposition’s commitment to democracy and accountability.” Bhutto‑Zardari echoed this sentiment, noting that the alliance would “help consolidate the anti‑PTI vote and ensure that the people’s voice is heard.”

The pact is rooted in the long‑standing rivalry and occasional collaboration between the two parties. PML‑N and PPP have previously formed an Opposition Alliance in 2022 to boycott the general elections, hoping to press for a free and fair electoral process. The current agreement is viewed as an extension of that cooperation, but with a more concrete plan to win seats.

How the Alliance Will Work

Under the agreement, each party has agreed to cede specific constituencies to the other, thereby avoiding a vote‑splitting scenario that has historically favored PTI. The joint candidate list, announced on the evening of the decision, comprises 15 PML‑N and 18 PPP nominees. For example:

PP-12 (Lahore‑III) – PPP nominee: Farhan Ahmed
NA-124 (Faisalabad‑III) – PML‑N nominee: Syed Raza Abbas
NA-226 (Mianwali‑III) – PPP nominee: Sanaullah Khan

The two parties will also share campaign resources such as advertising slots, mobilization staff, and logistical support. In addition, a joint press conference has been scheduled for 1 March in Islamabad, where Sharif and Bhutto‑Zardari will present a shared manifesto focusing on economic reform, anti‑corruption measures, and the restoration of civilian oversight.

The coalition’s strategy includes a focus on key battlegrounds: Punjab, where PML‑N traditionally dominates, and Sindh, where PPP holds sway. The alliance also plans to target marginal seats in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, hoping to leverage local grievances and build a broader coalition.

Political Context

The by‑polls come amid a tense political environment. The PTI, led by Imran Khan, has been facing criticism over its handling of the economy, allegations of nepotism, and perceived erosion of democratic norms. Recent protests and judicial challenges have heightened public scrutiny. The opposition’s joint front is intended to capitalize on this discontent, presenting a united alternative.

It is worth noting that Nawaz Sharif, who was released from prison on 19 February after a brief stint, is still actively involved in the alliance’s strategy. His release was seen as a turning point, allowing him to participate fully in campaign planning. Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto‑Zardari’s leadership has focused on mobilizing youth voters, who have historically shown strong support for the PPP’s progressive agenda.

The ECP has confirmed that the by‑polls will be held on a single day, ensuring a consolidated voting process. The ruling PTI, however, remains uncertain about its own prospects; initial polls suggest a modest lead, but the opposition’s united front could significantly alter the outcome.

Expected Impact

Analysts predict that the alliance could capture anywhere between 18 to 22 seats, giving the opposition a significant foothold in the National Assembly. This would provide them with the leverage needed to negotiate with the PTI on key policy issues, such as the distribution of federal funds and the appointment of provincial ministers.

Moreover, a strong showing in the by‑polls would boost the opposition’s morale ahead of the general elections slated for 2025. The alliance could also pressure the PTI to conduct reforms or risk losing further ground in future contests. However, critics caution that intra‑party disputes and divergent policy priorities could strain the partnership.

Follow‑Up and Additional Sources

The Moneycontrol article, which forms the basis of this summary, references the ECP’s official press release on the by‑poll schedule and the opposition parties’ joint manifesto. The ECP’s website provides detailed constituency maps and demographic data, while the PML‑N and PPP official websites feature interviews with party leaders outlining their campaign strategies.

In addition, a related Moneycontrol piece on the PTI’s campaign promises highlights the party’s focus on job creation and inflation control, offering a contrast to the opposition’s platform.

Conclusion

The unprecedented collaboration between the Pakistan Muslim League (N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party signals a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political trajectory. By jointly contesting the 33‑seat by‑polls, the two parties aim to consolidate anti‑PTI sentiment, demonstrate unity, and lay the groundwork for a potentially transformative general election. Whether the alliance will deliver the electoral gains it seeks remains to be seen, but the strategic alignment certainly reshapes the dynamics of Pakistan’s democratic contestation.

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