Pakistan’s newly convened parliament saw the re-election of Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister on Sunday, marking his return to office for a second term. The election, which took place three weeks after national elections, saw Sharif securing 201 votes, surpassing the required threshold of 169 votes in the house.
Sharif’s victory came after a close contest with Omar Ayub, the candidate backed by incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who garnered 92 votes. Sharif, a member of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, previously held the position until August, when parliament was dissolved ahead of the elections.
The announcement of Sharif’s re-election sparked protests from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) party, an ally of Khan, who alleged electoral rigging and demanded Khan’s release. Despite the disruptions, Sharif delivered a comprehensive speech addressing various national issues, including economic reforms and international relations, while extending an olive branch to the opposition for dialogue.
However, the protests persisted throughout Sharif’s speech, with SIC lawmakers displaying posters of Khan and accusing the government of stealing the electoral mandate. The February 8 elections were marred by controversy, including allegations of vote rigging, a mobile internet shutdown, and pre-election violence.
Sharif’s return to office comes amidst economic challenges, with Pakistan grappling with rising prices and growing discontent over deepening poverty. His previous tenure saw negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a critical deal, but the measures implemented under the agreement have exacerbated economic pressures on ordinary citizens.
As the new government assumes office, immediate priorities include engaging with the IMF for a new agreement to stabilize the economy and addressing the concerns of Khan’s supporters. With the country facing multifaceted crises, Sharif’s administration faces the daunting task of navigating through turbulent waters while striving to uplift Pakistan’s socioeconomic landscape.
