JNS: Shehbaz Sharif, the president of the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N), took the oath of office as the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Monday, marking his second term in the country’s highest office. This development comes after a prolonged political crisis following the national polls, where no party secured a majority to form the government.
President Arif Alvi administered the oath to Shehbaz Sharif, bringing an end to the political deadlock. The national assembly elected Shehbaz Sharif as the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan in a session that was marked by disruptions caused by the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
“Sharif has been elected Prime Minister with 201 votes. Omar Ayub obtained 92 votes,” announced Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, as quoted by Geo News. Omar Ayub Khan was the candidate backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Sharif previously held the position of Prime Minister after the ousting of PTI chief Imran Khan in 2022. His tenure ended in August when the parliament was dissolved ahead of the polls, leading to a period of caretaker government.
After his election, Shehbaz Sharif pledged to navigate Pakistan through its financial challenges. “There are talented people sitting in this Parliament who can steer Pakistan’s ship to the shore […] these include journalists, intellectuals, politicians, religious leaders,” he said, as reported by Dawn News. He expressed confidence that by working together, Pakistan could overcome its challenges and regain its rightful position.
Sharif is credited with holding the coalition government together following Imran Khan’s removal from power. He also played a crucial role in securing a last-minute bailout for Pakistan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) last year.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his appointment, tweeting, “Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on being sworn in as the Prime Minister of Pakistan,” expressing his wishes for the new leader’s tenure.
