Islamabad: In a dramatic turn of events, Shehbaz Sharif has been sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister for the second time, leading a coalition government after securing a comfortable majority in the newly-elected Parliament. The 72-year-old leader, representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and backed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), clinched 201 votes in the 336-member Parliament, surpassing the 169 votes needed for a majority.
His opponent, Omar Ayub Khan of the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), managed to secure only 92 votes, significantly fewer than Shehbaz's tally. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq officially declared Shehbaz as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The swering-in ceremony is scheduled to take place on Monday at the Presidential mansion, Aiwan-e-Sadr, marking the formal commencement of Shehbaz's tenure as Prime Minister. However, the session of the new parliament was not without chaos, as PTI-backed lawmakers created disruptions with slogans of 'Azaadi (freedom)' and references to the imprisoned Imran Khan, labeled as 'Qaidi #804'. In response, PML-N lawmakers retaliated with chants in support of Nawaz Sharif and waved wristwatches, alluding to corruption allegations against Khan.
Nawaz Sharif, the PML-N party supremo, notably cast the first vote in favor of Shehbaz, emphasizing the party's unity behind its leader. Prior to the vote, PTI expressed disappointment at Nawaz Sharif's refusal to accept defeat gracefully, accusing him of choosing to live in shame.
Shehbaz previously served as Prime Minister in a coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023, before the dissolution of Parliament led to general elections. This reinstatement marks a significant political comeback for Shehbaz and the PML-N, who, despite not securing a clear majority in the February 8 polls, rallied support from various parties to form a coalition government.
With Shehbaz at the helm once again, Pakistan braces for a new era of governance amidst ongoing political turmoil and challenges on multiple fronts.