Islamabad: The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has indicated its readiness to form an electoral alliance with its arch-rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), in order to counter the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), its former ally, according to Dawn News. Pakistan's Punjab PPP acting President, Rana Farooq Saeed, stated at a press conference, "We may enter into an (electoral) alliance with other parties, including the PTI, against the PML-N."

This announcement comes after PML-N leaders expressed their intention to contest elections in Sindh in collaboration with the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan and the Grand Democratic Alliance. Saeed emphasized that the PPP is prepared to face the challenges presented by political rivals in terms of electoral alliances with other parties. He added that electoral alliances are a normal part of the political process and are not based on personal enmity.

Saeed also pointed out that the world would not accept the election results if any party were excluded from the January 2024 electoral contest. In reference to the PTI's role in the May 9 attacks on military installations, he called for the punishment of those involved in violence but requested that those who were silent spectators during the incidents be forgiven. He argued that innocent PTI workers should not be prevented from participating in the elections.

Saeed blamed the PML-N for attempting to keep the PTI out of the electoral race, and he noted that it appears that the elections will proceed as some forces have been active in this regard.

Meanwhile, after ongoing calls to announce the date for general elections in Pakistan, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) finally declared on Thursday that general elections will be held on February 11 next year. According to Geo News, the date of the elections was shared with the Supreme Court during a hearing of petitions calling for timely elections across the country. ECP's counsel, Sajeel Swati, stated that the process of delimitation would be completed by January 29, paving the way for the elections. Elections will be held in the country after the delimitation process concludes on November 30.