In a significant political development in Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, has been elected as the country’s 24th prime minister for second time. This election took place three weeks after the national vote held on February 8.
Shehbaz Sharif, also serving as the president of his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), secured a total of 201 votes in the lower house of parliament, known as the National Assembly. This vote count surpassed the minimum requirement for a simple majority by a margin of 32 votes, indicating strong support from members of parliament.
His main contender in the election was Omer Ayub Khan, representing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by the jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan managed to secure 92 votes in the parliamentary election, falling short of the required number for victory.
In the context of Pakistani parliamentary procedures, a candidate needs to attain at least 169 votes in the 336-member National Assembly to clinch the coveted post of prime minister through a simple majority.
Following his electoral victory, Shehbaz Sharif is expected to take the oath of office on Monday, assuming the responsibilities of leading the government. This election outcome reflects a significant shift in political dynamics within Pakistan and sets the stage for Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership in addressing the country’s challenges and pursuing its development goals.
