Shehbaz Sharif Set to Assume Office as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Amidst Political Maneuvering
In a significant turn of events, Shehbaz Sharif, the senior leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is poised to become the next Prime Minister of Pakistan. Following his nomination and subsequent submission of nomination papers on Saturday, March 2, Shehbaz Sharif is slated to assume office on Sunday, March 3, pending the outcome of the voting in the National Assembly.
At 72 years old, Shehbaz Sharif emerges as the consensus candidate of both the PML-N and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), reflecting a strategic alliance forged in the wake of last month’s elections, which yielded a split mandate. His closest competitor, Omar Ayub Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also submitted his papers on the same day, but the electoral dynamics seem to favor Shehbaz Sharif’s victory.
The National Assembly Secretariat has confirmed that voting to elect the new Prime Minister will take place on Sunday, with the winner set to be administered the oath of office at the Presidential mansion, Aiwan-e-Sadr, on Monday, March 4.
Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, brings with him a wealth of political experience. Having previously served as Prime Minister of a coalition government from April 2022 to August 2023, Shehbaz Sharif is no stranger to the responsibilities of leadership.
Despite facing challenges in garnering a clear majority in the recent elections, the PML-N’s strategic alliances have secured Shehbaz Sharif’s path to victory. Backed by parties such as the MQM-P, PPP, Pakistan Muslim League (Q), and others, Shehbaz Sharif commands a significant majority of 205 lawmakers in the 336-member house.
In order to assume the role of Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif must secure a minimum of 169 votes in the National Assembly. With the PTI-backed opposition holding 102 lawmakers and the likelihood of certain parties boycotting the poll, Shehbaz Sharif’s victory appears increasingly probable.
As the political landscape in Pakistan continues to evolve, Shehbaz Sharif’s ascension to the premiership heralds a new chapter in the country’s governance. With challenges abound, including economic recovery, security concerns, and regional stability, all eyes will be on Shehbaz Sharif as he assumes the mantle of leadership and steers the nation forward.
