PPP, JUI-F reach agreement over Senate by-poll on March 14

The PPP and JUI-F have reached an agreement over supporting each other’s candidates in the upcoming Senate by-election on March 14.

Addressing a press conference today alongside former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and PPP leader Nayyar Bukhari, JUI-F leader Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Hyderi termed the meeting with PPP “a good improvement on the political front”.

“When Gilani sahab contests the polls, we will support him,” he said, adding that this way JUI-F members can enter the parliament without a contest.

On the occasion, Gilani welcomed the understanding reached with JUI-F for the Senate by-poll, saying that a “good working relationship was established in the parliament and we will vote for each other”.

Gillani said that the two parties have decided to support each other in the upcoming poll.

He said that PPP has held a few meetings with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and it again welcomes his party’s delegation.

He also said that the PPP and the JUI-F will work together in parliament.

Towards the end of the presser, PPP leader Bukhari clarified that the conversation between the two parties was only about the March 14 by-election. There will be a by-election on one seat on that day.

According to the understanding, the PPP will vote for the JUI-F candidate in Balochistan while the latter will vote for Gilani in Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Bukhari said that the meeting was held as per PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari. He said that the JUI-F sought the PPP’s support on three vacant seats in the Senate from Balaochistan and the party has consented to it.

He said that the JUI-F would support Gillani, who is contesting the Senate by-poll on Sindh's seat.

Bukhari further stated that the PPP is currently focusing on the Senate by-poll and will look into other matters later.