Islamabad: Two-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif (63) was on Sunday headed back to power after the first democratic transition from one elected government to another, marking a landmark for Pakistan’s political history hobbled by frequent military dictatorships.
Sharif was set to bag over 125 of
the 272 seats contested in Saturday’s vote that saw a record turnout despite Taliban threats, putting him in easy reach of the winning mark with the backing of the bulk of the 70 nominated parliamentarians. He requires 137 members to become the PM and would be sworn in later this week.
Observers described Sharif ’s tally as overwhelming considering Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had seriously challenged his bid for power with the promise to transform the country. The PTI managed just 35 seats belying projections that put it as a contender for power.
With Sharif in office, hopes for better India-Pakistan ties soared since he has referred to improving relations as one of his missions if voted to power. Late on Saturday, speaking to the media after it became clear that he was set to return to power, Sharif said he had worked hard for a detente with New Delhi before Musharraf deposed him.
What India expects from Sharif MFN (most favoured nation) status
Opening up of trade
Increasing civilian control over Pak army
Tackling terrorism directed at India
Tackling radical extremism in Pakistan
What we remember Lahore bus ride by Vajpayee and the Lahore Declaration
Kargil incursion and armed conflict with Pakistan
Then US President Bill Clinton telling Sharif to get his army off the heights of Kargil
Musharraf’s coup in 1999
Sharif’s arrest and exile in Saudi Arabia
Total strength of Pakistan’s National Assembly is 342, of which 272 members are directly elected, 70 nominated among women and religious minorities VOTER TURNOUT | 60% (nearly 52m voters), despite blasts in Karachi killing 24 on day of polling
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