Addressing supporters of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) at the party's central secretariat in Lahore, Sharif emphasized the need for unity in the face of mounting challenges. With independent candidates, largely supported by jailed ex-premier Imran Khan's party, securing a significant number of seats, the formation of a coalition government appears increas
ingly likely.
As per the latest data from the Election Commission, independent candidates backed by Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party have clinched 92 seats out of the 224 constituencies declared so far. Meanwhile, the PML-N has secured 63 seats, and the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) has garnered 50 seats, with smaller parties securing the remaining 19.
To form a government, a party must secure at least 133 seats out of the total 265 in the National Assembly. With results still being tallied, the path to a clear majority remains uncertain, prompting Sharif to advocate for a collaborative approach to governance.
In his address, Sharif stressed the importance of stability, asserting that Pakistan cannot afford political discord in the current climate. He called for a concerted effort from all political entities to prioritize the nation's interests and work towards a prosperous future.
Sharif's outreach efforts extend beyond his party, as he has tasked his younger brother and PML-N president, Shehbaz Sharif, with engaging with leaders from other parties, including the PPP and smaller factions, to explore coalition possibilities.
Meanwhile, PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari has reportedly arrived in Lahore for discussions regarding the formation of a government, underscoring the fluidity of the political situation.
The prolonged delay in announcing election results has fueled speculation and raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. While the Election Commission has attributed the delay to logistical challenges, criticism from various quarters persists, highlighting the need for transparency and efficiency in the electoral process.
As Pakistan navigates this critical juncture, the call for unity from Nawaz Sharif signals a pivotal moment in the country's political trajectory, with the potential to shape its future direction.