Pakistan forms coalition government amid speculation of Shehbaz Sharif as PM

Late Tuesday, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s party, along with its allies, declared their intention to form a coalition government, resolving the uncertainty following the recent parliamentary elections, where no party secured a simple majority.

The announcement followed a meeting in Islamabad among rival parties, all opposing the imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan People’s Party led by former President Asif Ali Zardari and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League, represented by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif, who assumed office after Khan’s removal via a no-confidence vote in 2022, attended the meeting to discuss the coalition.

During a news conference alongside Zardari and other leaders, Shehbaz Sharif refrained from disclosing the coalition’s choice for prime minister, although speculation suggests Sharif himself will assume the role. 

According to Pakistan Muslim League spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb, Nawaz Sharif, a three-time prime minister, nominated his younger brother for the prime ministerial position.

What happened to Khan’s party?

The decision by Khan’s rivals on Tuesday followed his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party’s refusal to engage in discussions. Khan, presently serving prison sentences due to corruption and marriage law violations, was disqualified from contesting the elections.

Khan’s party alleges electoral manipulation in last Thursday’s vote to prevent it from securing a parliamentary majority, a claim rebuffed by election authorities.

Source: Newsroom

#haber#