Senior leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Khurshid Shah, has said that his party’s attempt to engage with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for government formation was met with refusal, despite efforts to adhere to democratic norms.

Addressing the media outside the Sindh Assembly, Shah asserted that the PPP currently holds the “key” to democracy, which they wield in the interest of democratic processes.

“We approached PTI first, as per democratic norms, but they refused to cooperate,” Shah stated.

Highlighting the PPP’s stance on supporting the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Shah affirmed that his party’s support comes without any ulterior motives.

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“We will vote for their prime minister candidate and will cooperate in legislation and other matters, but we will not take any ministry in the Centre,” Shah added.

Responding to recent protests by opposition parties, Shah questioned the motives behind certain demonstrations, particularly mentioning the Awami National Party’s (ANP) protest in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

He also downplayed the significance of the Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA), stating that they have never secured more than one seat.

Furthermore, Shah disclosed that former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani is being considered for the chairman of the Senate.

Shah criticised the founder of PTI, Imran Khan, for allegedly interfering in Pakistan’s internal affairs by writing a letter to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).