Pakistan’s newly elected Parliament has officially approved Shehbaz Sharif as the prime minister, marking his second term in office. This comes after weeks of political turmoil and upheaval, setting the stage for a government that will face significant economic and political challenges in the years to come.
The appointment of Mr. Sharif also raises questions about the role of Pakistan’s powerful military, which has historically influenced the country’s politics. Analysts have expressed concerns about the public’s confidence in Mr. Sharif’s government.
Talat Hussain, a political analyst based in Islamabad, Pakistan, stated, “The government is being seen as foredoomed.”
Mr. Sharif secured 201 votes in the national assembly, defeating his closest rival, Omar Ayub, who received 92 votes. Before the voting began, Mr. Sharif arrived with his older brother, Nawaz, who was also elected as a member of the national assembly.
The proceedings began with a protest in support of Mr. Khan, with several supporters chanting slogans and waving pictures of the imprisoned former prime minister.
Despite not winning the most seats in the national elections, Mr. Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, was able to form a coalition government with other major parties.
However, the legitimacy of Mr. Sharif’s government has been called into question due to accusations of military interference in the vote count. The government also faces economic challenges, with inflation reaching record highs and a looming expiration of the International Monetary Fund bailout program.
2024-03-03 05:51:44
Original from www.nytimes.com