Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for rival political parties to unite and form a coalition government in Pakistan, emphasising the need for stability and cooperation to address the country's challenges.
Speaking at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central secretariat, Sharif stressed the importance of all institutions working together to uplift Pakistan from its current difficulties.
Acknowledging the diverse political landscape, Sharif emphasised respect for the mandate of all parties, including those backed by rival factions. He urged parties to transcend differences and collaborate for the greater good, highlighting the impracticality of frequent elections.
With Pakistan facing a potential hung parliament, Sharif extended an invitation to political counterparts to join hands in rebuilding the nation.
He designated his brother, PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif, to initiate dialogue with key figures like Asif Ali Zardari of the Pakistan Peoples' Party, Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), and Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement for coalition talks.
Sharif underscored the imperative for collective action, urging harmony among all stakeholders to navigate Pakistan out of its crisis.
He called for a united effort across party lines to foster a positive trajectory for the nation.
The election results, with several constituencies still being tallied, reflect a fragmented political landscape. Independent candidates, largely supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), hold significant sway alongside PML-N and PPP seats.
Amid allegations of rigging and sporadic violence, the election outcome underscores the complexity of the political scenario.
To form a government, a party must secure at least 133 seats out of 265 in the National Assembly. With ongoing tallying and one seat postponed due to a candidate's death, the path to a simple majority remains uncertain.
Overall, achieving a coalition with 169 seats is pivotal for governance stability, given the reserved slots for women and minorities in the National Assembly.