Confusion over the political faction which will lead Pakistan ahead still prevails even as the counting of votes for the national polls concluded on Sunday (February 11, 2024) with former PM Imran Khan’s PTI-backed independent candidate leading ahead of key opponent PML-N.
Independents won 101 of the National Assembly seats. BBC analysis shows that 93 of them went to PTI-backed candidates.
Figures showed them ahead of former PM Nawaz Sharif’s PMLN as it managed to win 75.
Both PTI, whose leader was languishing in jail on the day of voting, and PMLN have declared themselves as winners and their leaders even went ahead even before the final results were declared to deliver a victory speech.
PTI was even barred from taking part in the polls.
MQM says no talks with PMLN over government formation
MQM-Pakistan Convener Khalid Maqbool, meanwhile, said during a meeting with PML-N delegation no talks were held on forming the upcoming government of the country fighting the financial crisis.
Speaking to reporters in Karachi, Siddiqui told Dawn News the elections have created a challenging situation and all parties must play their role in steering the country out of crisis.
“The stability of democracy is more important than anything else,” he said.
His remarks came shortly after the PML-N released a statement saying that the two parties had reached a “principle agreement” to work together in the upcoming government, reported Dawn News.
PTI demands release of ‘political prisoners’
PTI leader Barrister Gohar Khan has demanded for the release of his party’s “political prisoners”, including founder Imran Khan, in response to army chief General Asim Munir’s statement stressing the need for a “healing touch” following the February 8 general elections.
PPP factor
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party stood in the third position after the results were declared, on Saturday (February 10, 2024) said no government could be formed in the country without the inclusion of his political outfit.
“A government should be formed with national unity to bring political stability,” Bilawal said while speaking to Geo News special transmission for election 2024, adding: “I want to end the politics of hate and division.”
Amid tight security, Pakistan voted to elect a new government on Thursday (February 8, 2024).
