Nawaz Sharif Claims Victory in Pakistan Elections 2024 Despite Majority Shortfall

Pakistan Elections 2024: In the aftermath of Pakistan’s national elections, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared triumph for his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), asserting it as the frontrunner in the results. Sharif emphasized the urgent need for Pakistan to navigate its current crisis, calling for cohesive efforts from all institutions. However, exact seat counts for PML-N remained undisclosed as counting continued in the 265 contested seats.

Acknowledging the necessity for a coalition, Sharif expressed readiness for dialogue with other political factions to form a government. He underscored the importance of collective action to address Pakistan’s challenges, recognizing that PML-N lacked the majority required to govern independently.

In line with this coalition-building strategy, PML-N’s senior leader, Ishaq Dar, announced intentions to engage in discussions with rival Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s group. Dar projected confidence in PML-N’s ability to secure approximately 90 out of the 265 contested seats, positioning the party favorably for government formation.

As the electoral landscape unfolds, preliminary results for 156 National Assembly seats have been disclosed. Candidates affiliated with Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party clinched 62 seats, while PML-N secured 46. However, with results pending for 110 additional seats, the quest for a governing majority, requiring 169 seats, remains ongoing.

Also read: Pakistan General Election—2024—Who Will Be The Next Prime Minister?

Delays in result announcements were attributed to a government-imposed mobile network shutdown during voting, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The prolonged counting process prompted allegations from Imran Khan’s party of potential ballot tampering aimed at ensuring Nawaz Sharif’s electoral victory.