Will Modi-Sharif chemistry transform India-Pakistan ties?
Imran Khan have outperformed the other two major parties, PML-N of Nawaz Sharif and PPP of Bilawal Bhtto Zardari, Sharif is likely to become the next prime minister by forging an alliance with the PPP and pulling away independent winners. Neither of the two parties nor the independent winners will have enough numbers to reach a majority. Khan's party PTI did not fight elections on its own as it had lost its election symbol but its candidates fought as independents.
Elections in Pakistan were marred by violence, suspension of the internet and alleged manipulation of results. Khan's party, PTI, has claimed that the military rigged the election to prop up Sharif as the prime minister.
The wheelings and dealings for the government formation kicked off after the results indicated a hung parliament in Pakistan. Notably, both Imran and Sharif have claimed victory in the polls and are talking about forming a government.
The return of Sharif
On Friday, Sharif, who has been a prime minister thrice and is seen as Pakistan military's «pick», urged rival parties to join hands with him «to pull Pakistan out of its current difficulties». He even made a so-called ‘victory speech’ well before results of half the seats were yet to come. Without naming PTI founder leader Imran Khan, Nawaz said: “Some people are in a mood to fight but Pakistan cannot afford this as it needs stability for at least 10 years. This is not our responsibility alone as everyone, including the institutions, should play its role for the betterment of the
