Nawaz Sharif, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz’s (PML-N) candidate for the premiership, announced his intention to form a united government with former allies – the Pakistan Peoples Party, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (Pakistan) amid a fragmented mandate.
Unofficial results from Geo News for 204 seats show independent candidates, largely backed by former PM Imran Khan, leading with 87 seats, followed by PML-N at 60 seats and PPP at 45 seats.
Nawaz Sharif declared PML-N’s “victory” in the February 8 general election amidst a precarious economy and the political crisis following Imran Khan’s removal from power.
In a charged speech in Lahore’s Model Town, Nawaz Sharif tasked Shehbaz Sharif to meet Fazlur Rehman, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, and Asif Ali Zardari. He specified that Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar would engage in outreach efforts.
Respecting the mandates, Nawaz Sharif hinted at forming a ‘unity government,’ emphasizing the collective responsibility of all parties to steer Pakistan out of its current crisis.
He asserted, “It is everyone’s Pakistan. If we work together, only then will Pakistan overcome this crisis.”
Expressing the need for stability, Nawaz Sharif stated, “Pakistan needs at least 10 years of stability. We must sit together, sort out issues, and take Pakistan into the 21st century.”
However, amidst ongoing result updates, Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates are leading with more than 100 seats, while the PML-N is trailing.
Independent candidates backed by PTI lead with 52 seats in provincial results, while PML-N is a close second with 40 seats and PPP with 19 seats.
Notably, Imran Khan was disqualified from contesting the elections due to criminal convictions. The electoral symbol of the PTI was also taken away by the ECP in a ruling later backed by the Pakistan apex court. As a result, the PTI leaders and supporters contested as independent candidates.