Pakistan: Coalition deal agreed to form government amid increasing pressure on Shiites in Parachinar

Two of Pakistan’s leading political parties finally arrived at a formal agreement to form a coalition government, Aljazeera reported, days after inconclusive national elections failed to deliver a clear majority.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) joined forces to achieve the “required numbers” to form a government, PMLN President and former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday.

Based on the agreement, Shehbaz Sharif will be the coalition candidate for PM position, while Asif Ali Zardari, would be the alliance’s candidate for president.

Meanwhile, state repression has once again escalated in Parachinar, with attempts to isolate the Shiite community.

According to ABNA, trees have been cut in the Pewar Giddu forest, leading the people of Pewar to file a complaint. Despite notifying government agencies, no action was taken, and the cutting operation was repeated.

The news agency added that in the ensuing clashes one soldier was killed and two Shiites were injured. Consequently, Pewar is now under siege, and numerous people have been detained.