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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) are in talks over seat adjustment for two upcoming National Assembly by-elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as both coalition partners seek to consolidate their political influence in the province.Introduction

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) — two key partners in Pakistan’s current coalition government — have begun negotiations over seat adjustment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) for the upcoming National Assembly by-elections.

According to political sources, the discussions are focused on two vacant constituencies, with both parties aiming to strengthen their regional foothold and avoid splitting the coalition vote in a province where the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has historically maintained strong support.

Talks Underway for Strategic Cooperation

Political Context

Sources close to both parties revealed that the PML-N and PPP have been holding informal consultations to finalise an understanding on which party will contest which seat.

The PPP has shown interest in contesting from Chitral’s National Assembly constituency, while the PML-N seeks to field its candidate in NA-18 Haripur, a seat vacated after the disqualification of PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan.

Both parties hope that a coordinated approach will prevent internal competition and maximize electoral gains in the by-elections expected to be announced soon by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Why the Seat Adjustment Matters

Seat adjustment — an arrangement where allied parties agree to contest from different constituencies rather than compete against each other — is a strategic tool often used by coalition partners in Pakistan’s multiparty system.

In this case, the arrangement between PML-N and PPP could be pivotal in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where PTI’s dominance has limited both parties’ electoral performance in the past decade.

By avoiding direct competition, both parties aim to consolidate the anti-PTI vote, giving them a stronger chance to capture at least one of the vacant KP National Assembly seats.Details of the Vacant Seats

NA-18 Haripur

The first vacant seat, NA-18 Haripur, was held by Omar Ayub Khan, a senior PTI leader who served as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly before his disqualification.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified Omar Ayub and eight other lawmakers in August 2025 after their convictions in connection with the May 9, 2023, riots.

Under Article 63(1)(h) of Pakistan’s Constitution, any person convicted and sentenced for at least two years stands disqualified from holding public office.

Omar Ayub’s disqualification created a power vacuum in Haripur, a district traditionally considered a PML-N stronghold before PTI’s rise.

Political observers believe the PML-N sees this as a prime opportunity to reclaim lost ground, especially since the PTI has been weakened by internal divisions and leadership disqualifications.

NA Constituency in Chitral

The second focus of the negotiations is Chitral’s NA seat, where the PPP has expressed strong interest.

Chitral, located in Pakistan’s northern region, holds symbolic and strategic significance. While not a densely populated district, it is politically important due to its ethnic diversity, cross-border proximity to Afghanistan, and influence in upper KP politics.

Historically, Chitral has seen a mixed electoral record, with PTI, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), and independent candidates sharing wins in recent elections.

PPP insiders believe that with a weakened PTI and a split conservative vote, the party could make inroads if it secures backing from coalition partners like the PML-N.

Behind the Scenes: Coalition Coordination

PML-N’s Strategy

The PML-N, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and guided politically by Nawaz Sharif, has been working to rebuild its presence in KP, a province where it struggled to gain momentum during PTI’s years in power.

By contesting the Haripur seat, the party aims to reconnect with local voters, particularly those influenced by development projects initiated during its previous federal tenures.

The party leadership believes that a victory in Haripur would boost morale among KP workers and serve as proof that PTI’s grip is weakening.

PPP’s Perspective

The PPP, under Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, sees the Chitral contest as a chance to revive its electoral footprint in KP, where its vote bank has eroded since 2013.

The party is banking on seat adjustment with PML-N to ensure a clear field in at least one constituency while reciprocating by supporting the PML-N in Haripur.

A senior PPP source said, “Both parties realize the importance of cooperation in KP. This is not about competition — it’s about political pragmatism.”

ECP’s Role and Timeline

Disqualification and De-Notification

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) officially de-notified nine PTI lawmakers in August following their convictions in the May 9 riots cases.

Among them was Omar Ayub Khan, whose disqualification under Article 63(1)(h) paved the way for a by-election in NA-18 Haripur.

The ECP has been finalizing schedules for by-elections across several constituencies, including KP, Punjab, and Sindh. Once finalized, political parties are expected to formally submit candidates and launch campaigns.

Expected AnnouncementAccording to ECP officials, polling dates for the Haripur and Chitral seats are likely to be announced within the next few weeks.

Election preparations, including voter list verification and constituency boundary checks, are already underway.

Both the PML-N and PPP are expected to finalize their nominees shortly after confirming the seat adjustment arrangement.

Political Analysis: What’s at Stake

Coalition Stability

The PML-N and PPP’s alliance at the federal level has been crucial for maintaining parliamentary stability. However, both parties are competitors at the provincial level, often pursuing distinct political agendas.

Their collaboration in the KP by-elections reflects strategic pragmatism rather than long-term partnership. Still, the outcome could test the durability of their cooperation heading into future elections.

PTI’s Waning Influence

While PTI remains the most popular party in KP, its leadership crisis and legal challenges have diminished its organizational strength.

Many PTI supporters remain loyal to Imran Khan, but with senior figures disqualified and internal disputes emerging, the party faces difficulty fielding strong candidates in every by-election.

If PML-N and PPP coordinate effectively, they could capitalize on PTI’s disarray to secure key wins in constituencies that were previously out of reach.

Shifting Electoral Dynamics in KP

Political experts suggest that KP’s political landscape is gradually diversifying. While PTI’s populist narrative once dominated, coalition politics and economic concerns are reshaping voter priorities.

By presenting a united front, the PML-N and PPP could appeal to moderate voters seeking stability and relief from economic hardship — particularly those disillusioned with political polarization.

Voices from Within

A senior PML-N insider said the party leadership has instructed provincial chapters to maintain coordination with the PPP to avoid “vote fragmentation.”

“Both parties understand that contesting separately could benefit PTI. The idea is to complement, not compete,” the source explained.

A PPP central executive member confirmed that talks have “reached an advanced stage,” adding that final announcements may come before the ECP schedule is published.

Expert Commentary

Political analyst Dr. Hassan Askari Rizvi believes that the seat adjustment in KP could serve as a “testing ground” for future political cooperation.

“The PML-N and PPP are natural rivals but pragmatic allies. Their success in KP could encourage similar arrangements in other provinces if it helps counter PTI’s influence,” he noted.

He added that such alliances often provide short-term benefits but rarely translate into long-term political unity due to ideological and regional differences.

Challenges and Risks

Voter Perception

While the seat adjustment aims to strengthen both parties, critics argue that such arrangements can confuse voters and dilute party identity.

In regions like KP, where grassroots loyalty plays a major role, voters may view such alliances as political opportunism rather than cooperation for the public good.

Internal Party Concerns

Within both parties, there are factions that prefer to contest independently to maintain organizational visibility and local influence.

For instance, some PML-N leaders from Abbottabad and Haripur believe that alliances weaken local mobilization, while PPP members in upper KP have warned against “compromising on ideological distinctiveness.”

ConclusionThe ongoing talks between the PML-N and PPP over seat adjustment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s by-elections signal a strategic alliance of convenience in Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.

With Haripur and Chitral emerging as key constituencies, both coalition partners are aiming to maximize their gains while minimizing internal competition against each other — particularly as the PTI faces disqualification challenges and leadership setbacks.

If finalized, the arrangement could mark a turning point in KP’s political dynamics, setting the stage for new electoral partnerships that reshape Pakistan’s broader political future.

For now, both parties appear committed to maintaining their coalition unity, balancing national governance with regional ambition — a delicate dance that will define the next phase of Pakistan’s democratic politics.