Sharif Brothers & Allies declared late Tuesday that they would form a coalition government together. This decision ended the uncertainty following last week’s parliamentary elections, where no party secured a simple majority.
The announcement came after a meeting in Islamabad. Attended by Pakistan People’s Party led by EX President Asif Ali Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League. Including his brother Shehbaz Sharif. These parties rival the country’s jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Who faced a no-confidence vote in parliament in 2022 and was ousted.
During a news conference with Zardari and other politicians, Shebaz Sharif didn’t mention who would be the prime minister, but many think it would be Sharif himself. He briefly said the coalition talks went well.
“We have decided that we will form the government jointly,” Zardari said.
A spokesperson for the Pakistan Muslim League, Marriyum Aurangzeb, mentioned that the elder Sharif, who served as prime minister three times before, put forward his younger brother’s name for the prime minister position. Sharif Brothers & Allies discussed following the election for the National Assembly, which took place last Thursday.
Although candidates supported by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party managed to secure 93 out of 265 National Assembly seats, it wasn’t sufficient to establish a government. Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League and Zardari’s Pakistan People’s Party obtained 75 and 54 seats respectively.
The unexpected success of Khan’s party surprised former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was believed to be favored by the powerful security establishment after his smooth return to Pakistan last October. Pakistan’s military has always played a significant role in determining who becomes the prime minister. The decision made by Khan’s rivals came shortly after his party, PTI, refused to engage in discussions with Sharif Brothers & Allies. Khan, currently serving prison sentences due to corruption and marriage law violations, was disqualified from running in the election.
Members of Khan’s party had to participate in the election as independent candidates because the Election Commission and Supreme Court revoked their party’s electoral symbol, which helps voters recognize candidates on the ballot. Additionally, they faced other legal obstacles. Khan’s party alleges that last Thursday’s election was manipulated to prevent them from gaining a parliamentary majority, a claim dismissed by election officials.
According to the constitution, Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi will call for the inaugural session of the National Assembly before February 29, during which lawmakers will take their oaths. Later, the parliament will select the new prime minister.
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