Allies of Ex-Premier Imran Khan Secure Biggest Share of Seats in Pakistan's Final Election Tally
Pakistan's election body says independent candidates have secured the biggest number of parliamentary seats following last week's polls
In the aftermath of Pakistan's national elections, allies of imprisoned former Prime Minister Imran Khan emerged victorious, securing more seats than the political parties that ousted him from power nearly two years ago, as per the final results released on Sunday. The election, held last Thursday to form a new parliament, was marred by allegations of vote-rigging, an unprecedented mobile phone shutdown, and the exclusion of Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) from the process.
The Pakistan Muslim League-N party (PML-N), led by three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, who is also an ex-felon, claimed the second-largest number of seats with 75. The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), led by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, secured the third position with 54 seats. One result was withheld, and another vote was postponed due to a candidate's death.
The 2022 campaign to remove Imran Khan from office was spearheaded by the PML-N and the PPP. The election outcome reflects a shifting political landscape, with Khan's allies demonstrating resilience despite challenges, while traditional political players like PML-N and PPP maintain a substantial presence in the parliamentary seats. The results underscore the contentious nature of the electoral process, marked by controversies and disruptions, contributing to a complex political scenario in Pakistan.