Pakistan's Political Landscape Shifts: PMLN and PPP Forge Coalition, Sideline Imran Khan's PTI

The recent elections in Pakistan have led to an unexpected outcome, with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) deciding to form a coalition government. This decision sidelines Imran Khan's party, despite it garnering the most votes through independent candidates associated with it. Shahbaz Sharif of the PMLN is set to be the candidate for prime minister, with PPP's support. Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which came second in the elections, will not be part of the coalition and has opted to align with a smaller party, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen. Khan has criticized the formation of the coalition, alleging electoral fraud and warning against forming a government based on such alleged malpractices. Nonetheless, PPP's Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the need for unity among parties for the country's progress, while Sharif urged reconciliation to move the nation forward. The PPP also announced plans to nominate candidates for key parliamentary positions. With parliament mandated to convene within 21 days, the political landscape in Pakistan is undergoing significant shifts.