Pakistan Coalition Government: Shehbaz Sharif Set to Become Next PM, Asif Ali Zardari Tipped as Next President

Finally, Pakistan is on the brink of a new government formation, with prominent leaders like Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari, and others coming together in a coalition government to thwart Imran Khan’s bid for power. Islamabad, February 14, 2024 — According to the latest tally released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the coalition spearheaded by Shehbaz Sharif is on track to comfortably surpass the simple majority threshold required to form the next government. The coalition, comprising six prominent parties including PML-N, PPP, MQM-P, PML-Q, IPP, and BAP, has secured a total of 152 general seats in the National Assembly.

This resounding victory positions the coalition well above the minimum requirement of 169 seats, especially with the addition of 60 women and 10 minority seats to their tally.

The prospect of Asif Zardari assuming the presidency of Pakistan looms large, with discussions underway among the “Coalition of the Willing” regarding the allocation of key governmental roles. Sources suggest that Nawaz Sharif has given his blessing for his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif to assume the role of Prime Minister, while Maryam Nawaz is anticipated to lead the government in Punjab.

In a remarkable turn of events, arch-rivals have extended an olive branch to the PTI, inviting them to join the ruling alliance in an effort to foster unity and reconciliation.

Despite the coalition’s imminent success in crossing the simple majority mark, attention now shifts to the pursuit of a two-thirds majority, which necessitates reaching the elusive 224-seat threshold in the 336-member National Assembly. The possibility of PTI-backed candidates aligning with the Majlis-i-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) adds a layer of complexity to the political landscape.

Amidst these developments, the PTI has urged the PML-N to accept their electoral defeat gracefully and allow Imran Khan to lead the nation towards healing and progress.

Questions linger regarding the piecemeal issuance of victory notifications by the ECP, prompting speculation about the submission of election expense details by successful candidates.

As the political arena continues to evolve, Pakistan braces itself for a new era of governance under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition partners.

Intake of this news

1. Coalition Formation: Prominent leaders, including Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari, have formed a coalition government to prevent Imran Khan from returning to power.
2. Simple Majority Achieved: The coalition, led by Shehbaz Sharif, has secured a total of 152 general seats in the National Assembly, surpassing the minimum requirement of 169 seats to form the government.
3. Leadership Roles: Shehbaz Sharif is anticipated to assume the role of Prime Minister, with Asif Ali Zardari potentially becoming the next president of Pakistan. Maryam Nawaz is expected to lead the government in Punjab.
4. Invitation to PTI: Arch-rivals have extended an invitation to the PTI to join the ruling alliance, emphasizing the importance of unity and reconciliation in the political landscape.
5. Two-Thirds Majority: While the coalition comfortably crosses the simple majority mark, attention now turns to securing a two-thirds majority, which requires reaching the 224-seat threshold in the 336-member National Assembly.
6. PTI’s Response: The PTI urges the PML-N to accept their electoral defeat gracefully and allow Imran Khan to lead the nation towards healing and progress.
7. Election Commission Concerns: Questions arise regarding the piecemeal issuance of victory notifications by the Election Commission of Pakistan, prompting speculation about the submission of election expense details by successful candidates.