Nawaz Sharif’s Party Seeks Coalition Talks as Imran Khan’s Backed Candidates Lead in Pakistan Election
Pakistan’s recent election has resulted in a hung parliament, with no single party securing a majority. As a result, Nawaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has announced its intention to seek talks with rival Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to form a coalition government. This potential alliance could thwart the ambitions of jailed former premier Imran Khan, whose candidates performed strongly in the election.
Nawaz Sharif, a three-time former premier of Pakistan, made the announcement during a speech at his family stronghold in Lahore. He emphasized the need for unity and cooperation to lift the country out of its current challenges. Sharif’s party claims to be the largest in the parliament after the election, with an expected victory in almost 90 out of the 265 seats up for grabs in the National Assembly.
The Election Commission of Pakistan’s scorecard shows that Imran Khan’s backed independent candidates are currently leading with 90 seats, followed by PML-N at 62 and PPP at 50. The potential alliance between PML-N and PPP could be seen as a relief for the nation’s powerful military, which is believed to have played a role in removing Khan from power earlier this year. However, it may also anger Khan’s millions of young supporters who view him as a populist and anti-establishment figure.
The strong showing by Khan-backed independents has created uncertainty about Pakistan’s future, leading to a selloff in its assets. Dollar bonds and the benchmark stock index have both experienced declines. If Sharif becomes prime minister, he will face numerous challenges, including an economy in tatters with high inflation rates and a large population living in poverty. Pakistan is also heavily indebted and reliant on financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund.
In addition to domestic challenges, the new prime minister will have to navigate complex relationships with the US, China, and neighboring countries such as India, Afghanistan, and Iran. The outcome of the election remains uncertain, and it may take weeks to form a government. Any controversy surrounding the election results could lead to political instability and hinder negotiations for a new IMF program.
The election itself was marred by terrorist attacks in remote provinces bordering Afghanistan, leading to dozens of casualties. The government suspended mobile phone services nationwide on the day of the polls to maintain law and order. The announcement of results was also delayed by more than 24 hours due to security measures. The US State Department has expressed concerns about the elections, citing restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. They have called for claims of interference or fraud to be fully investigated.
Nawaz Sharif’s party and Imran Khan’s PTI both claimed victory in the early hours of Friday morning, while also raising concerns about election-rigging. Khan, a former cricket star and Pakistan’s most popular politician, has a loyal following among the country’s young population. Investors are closely watching the situation, as any protests or unrest could have significant implications for the country’s stability.
Sharif, who has been ousted three times as prime minister, is seen by analysts as being backed by the powerful military as a potential replacement for Khan. However, his previous terms in office were marked by controversy and he has never completed a full five-year term. Pakistan’s military has a long history of ruling the nation and retains significant influence over its politics.
As Pakistan waits for the formation of a new government, the country faces numerous challenges that require strong leadership and effective governance. The outcome of coalition talks between PML-N and PPP will determine the future direction of the country and its ability to address pressing economic and geopolitical issues.
