Pakistan is on the brink of a hung parliament, as independent candidates endorsed by imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party surprisingly clinched the majority of seats. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif advocates for a unity government, and recent reports suggest that he and Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari convened in Lahore last evening. Both parties were integral to the government that took charge following Imran Khan's removal from the prime minister's office in 2022.
The latest data from the Election Commission reveals results for 226 out of 265 constituencies. Independent candidates, largely supported by Imran Khan's PTI party, secured 92 seats, while PML-N obtained 64, Pakistan Peoples Party secured 50, Muttahida Qaumi Movement won 12, and other parties garnered 8 seats.
To establish a government, a party must secure 133 seats out of the 265 in the National Assembly. The election for one seat was delayed due to the unfortunate death of a candidate.
In total, a simple majority of 169 seats out of the 336 available, which include reserved positions for women and minorities, is required.
Vote counting continues following Thursday's general election, marked by allegations of rigging, sporadic violence, and a nationwide mobile phone shutdown.
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Contrary to his previous stance of avoiding alliances, Sharif expressed on Friday the necessity for all political parties to collaboratively form a government and address Pakistan's challenges.
"We cannot repeatedly hold elections," he stated. "Although we were all gathered yesterday, we refrained from addressing you due to pending results."
Highlighting his party's status as the largest winner in Thursday's polls, Sharif, a three-time former premier, emphasized the need for other parties to unite in a coalition government to guide Pakistan out of crises. He asserted, "Our sole agenda is a prosperous Pakistan, and you are aware of our past accomplishments."
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