ISLAMABAD, March 9: The talks for electoral alliance between various Pakistan Muslim League factions have entered into crucial stage as the leaders of PML (Functional) and PML(J) held in-depth talks with PML(N) Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq for the second time in two days on Friday.

In the emerging scenario, the PML(N) appears in a better bargaining position even without its exiled leader, Nawaz Sharif, and acting president, Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, who is behind the bars.

The party has been able to extend its cooperation to a number of like-minded parties, including the Jamaat-i-Islami and Pakistan People’s Party.

The initiative for the unification of PML factions was taken by the PML (Quaid-i-Azam). It, however, failed after Pir Pagaro of PML(F) refused to join hands with the PML(QA) led by Mian Azhar and PML(J) leader Chaudhri Hamid Nasir Chattha expressed his reservations.

As a result, the PML(QA) abandoned its efforts for unification and even shut its doors for an electoral alliance with the Pagaro-led group.

In aftermath of the meetings, Chattha, who has recently recuperated from a heart surgery, will be coming to the capital on Monday to meet PML(N) leader Raja Zafarul Haq, sources said.

PML(F) Secretary-General Sheikh Siraj Din and PML(J) leader Iqbal Dar, after meeting the PML(N) chairman, expressed their optimism about an electoral alliance between various PML factions.

A meeting of six PML factions in Lahore had empowered Chattha to hold talks with other factions for an electoral coalition or seat adjustment.