Shehbaz Sharif: A Controversial Second Term as Pakistan’s Prime Minister
Shehbaz Sharif has been chosen as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for a second term following a contentious election last month. This article delves into the details of the election and the challenges Sharif faces in his new term.
A New Dawn
In a recent turn of events, Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as Pakistan’s Prime Minister for a second term. The election, which took place on February 8, was marred by allegations of large-scale rigging and delayed results1. Sharif’s victory was announced in the National Assembly, Pakistan’s lower house of parliament2.
Shehbaz Sharif, the newly elected Prime Minister of Pakistan. Source: Justin Lane/EPA
The Controversial Victory
Sharif’s victory was not without controversy. He secured 201 votes in the 336-member National Assembly, comfortably prevailing over rival Omar Ayub Khan, who won 923. The election saw Sharif’s party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), in alliance with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), forming the government4.
The Opposition’s Outcry
The National Assembly session that elected Sharif as the Prime Minister was delayed due to slogans raised by legislators belonging to the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), alleging Sharif came to power through electoral rigging5. The PTI, whose candidates had to contest as independents after losing their election symbol, emerged as the largest group with 93 seats6.
Sharif’s Previous Tenure
Sharif, who served as the Prime Minister for 16 months until August last year, faced the dissolution of the National Assembly, making way for a caretaker government to hold the national elections7. His older brother, Nawaz Sharif, is the founder of the PMLN and has served as the Prime Minister three times8.
Challenges Ahead
Pakistan, a country of 241 million people, is facing political instability as it battles a declining economy and a rapidly deteriorating security situation9. Sharif’s controversial election and the allegations of rigging have added to the country’s existing woes10.
