The work ahead is ‘difficult’ but not ‘impossible’, says Shehbaz Sharif in victory speech.
In a tumultuous session marked by disruptions from the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), the National Assembly of Pakistan voted on Sunday to elect Shehbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as the country’s 24th Prime Minister.
With a decisive 201 votes in his favor, Shehbaz Sharif secured victory over his contender, Omar Ayub, who received 92 votes, as announced by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
The proceedings were marred by chaos as SIC lawmakers stirred commotion with chants, following the announcement of Shehbaz’s win.
However, despite the disruptions, Shehbaz was invited to deliver his maiden address to the assembly.
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Shehbaz Sharif’s ascension to the premiership was widely anticipated, given the support he enjoyed from a coalition of seven parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), and others.
Expressing gratitude to PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif for nominating him for the esteemed position, Shehbaz also acknowledged the support of his political allies, particularly the PPP and MQM-P.
In his address, he reflected on Pakistan’s tumultuous political history, paying tribute to figures like Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their sacrifices for democracy.
While refraining from direct mention, Shehbaz Sharif subtly criticized the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), alleging them of engaging in vindictive politics and neglecting national interests.
Highlighting the urgent need for national unity to overcome the myriad challenges facing the country, Shehbaz outlined his government’s plans to tackle the economic crisis, emphasizing the daunting deficit resulting from hefty service charges.
The election session, presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, began with the swearing-in of PML-N’s Jam Kamal but was quickly disrupted by SIC slogans.
Voting proceeded nonetheless, with notable absences including members of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) who boycotted the process. Balochistan National Party’s Sardar Akhtar Mengal also abstained from voting.
The work ahead is ‘difficult’ but not ‘impossible’, says Shehbaz Sharif in victory speech.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is slated to extend formal welcome to the new premier at the Prime Minister’s House, where arrangements are underway for a ceremonial guard of honor on Monday.
Kakar, who has held the caretaker position for a record 200 days, will continue to discharge his duties until the official notification of the new prime minister is issued.
