Pakistan's National Assembly witnessed a tumultuous scene as newly elected members of parliament were sworn in on Thursday. The event was marred by protests from allies of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who alleged that the election was rigged. Lawmakers from Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party vocally expressed their discontent, chanting accusations of 'Vote-thief!' as Shehbaz Sharif, expected to lead the next government, entered parliament alongside his brother Nawaz Sharif, both former premiers.
The outgoing National Assembly Speaker administered the oath to the incoming legislators at noon. The parliament is set to elect a new prime minister on Sunday, with Shehbaz Sharif facing only one rival in the vote — senior leader Omar Ayub of Khan's PTI.
The new government will inherit challenges such as a surge in militant attacks, energy shortages, and economic struggles that may necessitate seeking another bailout from the International Monetary Fund. Despite the controversy surrounding the election, the Election Commission of Pakistan denies allegations of widespread rigging.
Amid ongoing protests and claims of electoral malpractice, Khan's PTI has called for nationwide rallies to challenge the election results. The party alleges that its outcomes were tampered with in numerous constituencies to prevent a majority win. Foreign observers monitoring the election did not report widespread vote-stealing.
Following the election, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League party and the Pakistan People's Party emerged as the largest presence in the National Assembly. Under a power-sharing arrangement, Sharif's party will support Zardari in the upcoming presidential elections.
Imran Khan, currently serving prison sentences on various charges, including corruption and violating marriage laws, maintains that the cases against him are politically motivated. Despite his legal battles, Khan's party continues to challenge the election results and demand transparency.
As the political landscape in Pakistan remains tense, with accusations and counter-accusations swirling, the country faces critical decisions regarding its leadership and economic future.
