While Shehbaz Sharif, wished to include Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the coalition, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, declined any such possibility.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari have announced a strategic coalition to form the next government in Pakistan. In a surprising move, 74-year-old Nawaz Sharif, anticipated to take the reins as Prime Minister, has entrusted the leadership of this coalition government to his brother, former PM Shehbaz Sharif, according to party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb.
This decision has triggered positive market sentiments, with Pakistan”s benchmark share index surging by 2% today, as reported by the Karachi stock exchange website. Maryam Nawaz, Nawaz Sharif”s daughter, has been designated as the coalition”s candidate for the position of Punjab province chief minister.
While Shehbaz Sharif, 72, wished to include Imran Khan”s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the betterment of the nation, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, acknowledging the limited mandate of his party, declined any possibility of a coalition with the PTI.
On the other hand, Imran Khan, currently in jail on charges of corruption, has accused both the PML-N and PPP of “robbing people”s mandate.”
Imran Khan on X: “As the people of Pakistan have clearly pronounced their verdict, there is a dire need for democracy and fairness in Pakistan”s elections. I warn against the misadventure of forming a government with stolen votes. Such daylight robbery will not only be a disrespect to the citizens, but will also push the country’s economy further into a downward spiral. PTI will never compromise on people’s will, and I have categorically instructed my party against engaging with any political party that has robbed people”s mandate, including PPP, PMLN & MQM.”
Despite emerging as the party with the highest number of seats among independents, PTI falls short of a majority, prompting the PML-N and PPP to forge an alliance. However, the alliance”s viability is subject to scrutiny, given questions surrounding leadership, role distribution, and the potential for political tensions, particularly with Imran Khan”s staunch opposition.
The coalition faces the uphill task of securing the required minimum of 169 seats in the 336-member Pakistan National Assembly. The Election Commission of Pakistan has confirmed the coalition led by Shehbaz Sharif, comprising various parties, has secured 152 general seats, which, coupled with 60 women and 10 minority seats, surpasses the minimum requirement. However, the coalition falls short of the critical 224-seat mark for a two-thirds majority.
The fate of reserved seats hinges on the decision of 101 independent candidates, including 92 backed by PTI.
Meanwhile, protests have erupted in Balochistan province, with several parties demanding a recount following allegations of widespread rigging during the February 8 polls. The Balochistan National Party (Mengal), National Party (NP), Pashtoonkhwa Milli Awami Party (PKMAP), and Hazara Democratic Party (HDP) have been protesting since Saturday in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan province against the outcome of the February 8 polls.
Khushal Khan Kakar of the PKMAP told the media today that the blockade would continue until the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered a recount in all those constituencies where massive alleged rigging has taken place. “The Baloch people are angry and frustrated over the electoral injustice done in the name of free and fair elections,” Kakar said, according to reports.
Amid these allegations and the nation”s mobile network being switched off on election day, Imran Khan has announced plans to challenge the results in the Supreme Court.
