Nawaz Sharif takes oath under President Asif Ali Zardari. PHOTO: EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif became the first politician in the country’s parliamentary history to make it to the office of prime minister for a third time, reported Express News on Wednesday.
Nawaz Sharif beat his competition by receiving a total of 244 votes, whereas Makhdoom Javed Hashmi received 31 votes and Makdhoom Amin Fahim recieved a total of 42 votes.
After formally chosen by a vote in the National Assembly, Sharif took his oath under President Asif Ali Zardari.
Nawaz was up against two candidates: Makhdoom Javed Hashmi of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Makhdoom Amin Fahim of Pakistan Peoples Party-Parliamentarians (PPPP).
The National Assembly is occupied by around 190 first time MNAs and witnessed the return of some veteran politician including former railways minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmed and former premier Mir Zafarullah Jamali.
PML-N holds a simple majority in the 342-member National Assembly.
With a simple majority, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz will take on the helm of affairs at a time when Pakistan is facing myriad problems from militancy to a shaky economy, worsening power crisis and failing public education and healthcare systems.
Addressing the Lower House
Nawaz Sharif briefly addressed the parliament after his victory was announced. He began by thanking God for allowing him yet another chance to serve Pakistan and its people.
“I want to thank the people of Pakistan for placing their trust in PML-N and I will reciprocate by working hard. Their trust is an asset for me as well as my strength,” said Nawaz.
“The people have decided and proven that they believe in democracy,” Nawaz added.
Touching on pressing issues, Nawaz Sharif called for the United States to end its campaign of drone attacks in the country's tribal northwest.
"We respect the sovereignty of others and they should also respect our sovereignty and independence. This campaign should come to an end," he said.
Overcrowding causes delay
The session was delayed by an hour due to overcrowding in the parliament house as more than 2000 guests turned up to see the historic transition.
Guests, most of whom had legitimate passes to enter the parliament house, were shifted to the media gallery which frustrated reporters present at the venue. The house is meant to seat nearly 700 observers, thus the surplus of 1300 individuals added last minute chaos.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq personally went to the media gallery to speak to disgruntled reporters and guests and urged for cooperation.
“I want to apologize to the house and our friends from the media and I take full responsibility for what has happened today. More cards were issued than capacity allowance,” said Sadiq.
Oath disrupted
Maulana Fazlur Rehman of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazlur Rehman (JUI-F) had to pause between his oath-taking as Nawaz Sharif walked in to the parliament. Slogans were chanted enthusiastically on Nawaz’s arrival which made it difficult to administer the oath to Fazlur Rehman by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq.
Celebrations
Supporters of the PMLN celebrated by dancing to the tune of dhols on the streets and distributed sweets in Lahore and Multan even before the official vote count or announcement took place.
It was near certain that party Chief Nawaz Sharif would win the race to premiership owing to abundant support in the assembly.
Support
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had offered its ‘unconditional support’ to Nawaz Sharif. On Tuesday, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazlur Rehman also promised to vote for Nawaz as a ‘goodwill gesture’.
“Ideologically, we are closer to the PML-N. And as a goodwill gesture we have decided to support the PML-N and will vote for Nawaz Sharif,” said Maulana Fazlur Rehman after a meeting with a PML-N delegation, comprising Ahsan Iqbal, Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and Khwaja Saad Rafique. JUI-F lawmakers had also voted for PML-N’s candidates in Monday’s election of National Assembly speaker and deputy speaker.
COMMENTS (82)
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congreat
With two-third majority in center and Govt. in Punjab and Baluchistan one can do wonders in naturally blessed Pakistan!! OR in 6-9 months PTI's long march to Islamabad awaiting.... Good Luck!
Allah bless Nawaz Sharif. My best wishes for him.
Although I am strong PTI supporter but I hope Nawaz Sharif fulfills the expectations of the people especially the expectations of the people of Punjab.
@Xnain: Just like you guys are born to hate Imran Khan. Don't generalize, ignorance and arrogance are not the best attributes to have. PTI just wants what's best for the nation like you, so you can just count on us to hold everyone accountable whether it's people from our party or PML-N or whoever. This is a good start to a new chapter in Pakistan, hope this chapter has a good end as well.
Call it big day, hope for the best, sing deserved praises of Nawaz Sharif, but please dont go completely off the reservation by caling him an intellectual!!!! Do you even know the meaning of the word?
A gloomy day in the history of pakistan; where is SC-CJ? The so called champion of democracy?
While a few burger kids burn in the fire of jealousy, a very large majority of Pakistanis is rejoicing the first-ever smooth transition of power from one elected government to another elected government during the last 66 years of Pakistan's history.
Mian Sb was ousted by Civilian Establishment in 1993 but he came back with bigger mandate in 1997. Then the Military Establishment ousted him through a coup d' etat in 1999 and once again Mian Sb bounced back with even bigger mandate of securing highest-ever votes & crossing the first-ever Crore votes in Pakistan.
Pakistan is no more a banana republic where a Dictator bowed down on a phone call !!!
Congratulations Mr. Prime Minister! I hope you bring peace, prosperity and justice to Pakistan!
These ET comment forums used to be a battlefield for PTI / PML supporters. I am really glad to see that most people are willing to give NS a chance! He is our PM now, and the office of PM deserves respect from all of us.
@Shahid Kinnare:
lies. the NRO did not give carte blanche. NS left the country for 10 years after the coup and was free to return to politics after that. he is reaping the idiocy of this countrys populace. people forget way too quickly. its fine. let them suffer 5 years. just like 2008 when they got rid of the 'dictator' to elect a 'democratic' PPP and then cried for musharaf to come back will now again cry when the gas isnt coming and electicity is gone and there are no jobs and corruption starts and provincilism increases.
@uet:
musharraf said the people have learned their lesson. well apparently not. let people elect a leader who has stormed the SC and broken the law and stolen from the country and its poor people. this man is a coward and will not dare come even close to musharraf. PM will free himself from these cases and i would not be surprised if he decides to re-enter politics even this late in his life again for his country. expect nothing from the PML-N.
If NS wouldn't show sanity then I can guarantee insanity will penetrate in the masses. We respect your mandate now its your turn to show us why Pakistan voted for YOU!!!
@Lt Col Imtiaz Alam(retd):For your most valuable wish about 'corruption-eradication' you got only one recommendation so far.Don't know about your reaction to that,but I am not surprised
Congratulations, People recognize your sincerity. I hope you open a new chapter of good governance, peace and prosperity. There are many selfish people even ready to bring you down, stay strong.
@Khan: PTI has already availed their first and last chance.
Now! Where are gone the shahbaz sharif claims to pull zardari on the streets of larkana,lahore & karachi.All the viewers should now suggest a good name for shahbaz sharif.Both the brothers strongly opposed zardari so much so that so in the last five years that the people of pakistan could not even believe in this oath taking today.This is the real face of the looters & plunderers who have taken the nation to the verge of collapse & now saying that treasury is empty,whereas 62% of pakistan was ruled by these brothers,atleast it's treasury should have been full.
Nawaz Shareef MADE BY ZARDARI
Congratulations!
Congratulations!
d best chance for u sir
Its funny Nawaz Sharif desperately ran all politically motivated cases against Zardari and Today karma has proved Nawaz taking oath thru the same person.
Congratulation PM Sharif! The nation welcomes you to President Zardari's leftovers.
I am amazed to see so many people congratulating MNS whereas to me it is not an accomplishment. It is another trial for MNS. Some more time when he will be answerable for not only what he does, but also what happens to the people he would be ruling over.
Lets hope and pray that MNS is able to rule the nation wisely and successfully and may be we can get united on all the issues that have been cracking our social, economic and religious fabric.
Brace yourself MNS - this time you have more complex issues and challenges!
Congratulations!!! The Day for which we struggled and waited alot... ALHAMDULILLAH
*sir I am big big big fan of urs,,,,, I remember the day hen army takes over very painful since then I hav been waiting to see u sat the same place today after a long wait I am able to see u I am happy many congratulations *
Only establishment made govt. and Nawaz Sharif enjoys this kind of majority, now military coup not being an option, I hope NS makes a difference this time... warna IK tu hai he :)
Congratulations Nawaz Sharif but be mindful we are watching. Our expectation are far higher than during your first two tenures. Your honeymoon will soon be over within weeks from today. Media, public and people won't give you benefit of doubt as you have lost all your life lines by winning this coveted prize the third time. All the best.
Congratulations to my dear leader.
We congratulate the nation of Pakistan on the successful completion of its parliamentary elections. We are very optimistic in regards to the future our partnership. We look forward to a healthy working relationship. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate what President Barack Obama, said recently: “My administration looks forward to continuing our cooperation with the Pakistani government that emerges from this election as equal partners in supporting a more stable, secure, and prosperous future for the people of Pakistan. The United States stands with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in Pakistan's democratic progress.”
Ali Khan
Congrats. Your 100 days start now. The nation is eagerly waiting for you to fulfil the promises you have made. Please keep in mind that its a different Pakistan now. You don't perform and you will be kicked out like the previous ones.
@I.Khan: why do you have to write your ethnicity , well true u should as all the voting in 2013 is casted on ethnic lines , punjabis for nawaz (i dont write sharif for u see quote difficult for me)sindhis to sindhi ppp, pathans to khan only it becomes a crime when mohajirs vote for MQM
@Xnain: we hate enemy of Pakistan who have transformed Pakistan from country of doctors and engineers to country of terrorist.
Mian sahib you start it again ,building Pakistan,where you was stoped by dictator in 1999.I hope this time around nation is mature enough to foil any conspiracy against democracy by advanturist. Good luck Nawaz Sharif good luck Pakistan.
Congrats sir but if you failed to deliver what you have promised before the elections than everyone who supported you will be accountable for the destruction of Pakistan.
@Neelam Zahid
Through the help of internal and external establishment.
I really hope that the actions of the NA Speaker (Ayaz Sadiq) aren't indicators of what PML-N's government will be like over the next 5 years. Over-issuing admit cards and overcrowding people to see your dear leader taking oath isn't exactly the best way to kick things off.
Anyway, congrats to Mr Sharif. He has no more excuses for not delivering this time.
Congratulations to Nawaz sharif and his Elected and selected family members in National Assembly..
GOD bless Pakistan. How sad it felt watching Mehmood Khan Achakzi queuing up to vote for Mian sb with all the turncoats of the Musharraf era
Dark day for Pakistan!!
I will look forward to Zero Tolerance on Corruption.
I am Pakistani in China, hope every thing will be well now in Pakistan. Chinese people also feel, that Nawaz Sharif will be more good for pakistan Lets pray for present Govt, just to save Pakistan
The words of Javid Hashmi "Nawaz Shahrif mera leader tha aur mera leader hay" should be enough for PTIians.
@Mohammad: PTIans will keep crying no matter He unearths all the worldly treasures for Pakistan. These people have shown that they are born to hate nawaz.
@Syed Amir: Couldnt agree with you more, we are a nation that is happy with putting the most upright and honest man ever seen by Pakistan under house arrest and placing an individual whose past is replete with financial irregularities and self perpetuating acts at the helm of affairs. This is Pakistan, we dont want honest dedicated leadership
@I.Khan: Your post is your personal opinion but "intellect" is a too big word for Mr Nawaz Sharif to achieve. :)
Congratulations to Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif on becoming third time Prime Minister of Pakistan.
I wish that under his leadership and guidance Pakistan should prosper. Ameen.
ET should have written "Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief Nawaz Sharif became the first politician in the country’s parliamentary history to make it to the office of prime minister for a third time (UNFORTUNATELY)"
its because of NRO we are able to see this blessed day in Pakistan.
Congratulations!
sad sad day for pakistan
Twice tried. Lets see in third try. Probably this is the fate of this country...
Good Luck Mian NS. When life gives you third chance, please don't squander it and try to make most out of it for Pakistan.
Congratulations to Nawaz Sharif on becoming Premier for the third time :) Hope that PML-N government will lead Pakistan to success through good governance. In Sha Allah!
We hope to see turning of a new leaf in the history of Pakistan rather than the old politics of scams and bribes. Only then, it will be meaningful to grace the office of PM for the third time.Please concentrate on domestic socioeconomic issues to uplift the condition of the masses rather than wasting time talking to India over Kashmir. But serious engagement is needed with the USA so that Pakistan's sovereignty is not violated repeatedly as in the case with drone attacks.However, KP will require a lot of patience and attention. Wish you the very best of lucks. Congratulations.
Congratulations Mr Prime Minister.
I am sad ... It means we're a short sighted & brain dead nation, elected a family party who did nothing but corruption,, they hv robbed Pakistan time and time again. Shameful
I think his start has been promising, the way he went to see IK and reconciled with him, the way he sacrificed PMLN's mandate to pick Dr Maalik in Baluchistan, they way he gave PTI chance to form gvmt in KPK, the way he has been having marathon meetings with energy experts (including caretaker MNA) to devise strategy to tackle load-shedding, the way KSE has gone through the roof at his arrival, and the way world community (notably PM Singh of India) has sent positive signals, it all looks good so far.. I am hopeful he will be good for PK
Though I have not voted Nawaz Shareef in General Elections, I wish him and his party good luck, May Allah Almighty bless us with peace & bring about some improvement for Pakistan afterwards. In sha Allah.
I hope people of Pakistan will get relief in his tenure....May Allah bless Pakistan and its people...its a great nation
Congratulations for the Prime Minister of a muslim country. Pakistan must withdraw from the American "war on Terror" and war for " enduring Peace" for there can be no peace without stability and no stability without peace. Pakistan military must be Nationalised into a National Army, an its law should reflect the Islamic values. Pakistan Youth is resilient and have the potential for innovation and creativity. Education reforms are must.
Rex Minor
This nation loves to be fooled again, again and again. A tried and tested can never change his nature and habits.People will again be reminded of this fact very very soon by him.
This was confirmed by the endless blessings and favors of Allah Almighty that Nawaz Sharif shall be the next PM.....
We welcome the new Prime Minister of Pakistan with a hope that his last experiences will help him to work for the progress of all the pakistani citizens with a clear vision of the Founder of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Third and the last chance, while PTI waits in the wings.
All best. Hope you bring out the best in Pakistan.
But please focus on some economic and educational improvement which can provide long term returns rather than infrastructural development to get appraised for sometime.
Congrats to PML(N). we pray you take decisions in favour of this Nation who direly needs someone to take them out of their misseries.
I am a native pashtun but I have given my vote to mr. nawaz sharif because he is the person who can solve the problems of pakistan apart from nationalism and racism. I believe that Mr. Nawaz Sharif this time would do justice with KPK rathan than previously when he ordered to stop transportation of wheat to KPK back in 1994. I like him because he is a good person and an intellect.
Congratulation, Mian sb please do some thing first of all peace, peace, peace
I am a Pashtun; and its obvious that panjab has never been really appreciative with KPK and there are reasons they don't like the nationalists behavior of Panjab; but I really myself like Mr. Nawaz Sharif and had voted for him, and hope that this time he will do justice with KPK. He is a problem-solver and an intellectual.
Beginning of controversies, wait and see....
Congratulations Mr. Sharief... and six months.. you have six months to deliver before PTI along with the people Pakistan start a campaign to bring you down 3rd time.
congratulations pakistan
Dear Mian Sb, Congrats & wish you very best of luck. May God bless you to help out Pak public.
Nawaz Sharif says "I won't offer any false hopes to the nation". That's not what he and his brother said during elections campaign!
His last two tenures were a failure due to nepotism, institutional clashes and Punjabi Nationalism. Let’s see if he can raise himself above small matters and work for Pakistan in right direction.
Musharraf! Are you watching.
Congratulations Mr. Sharif! Please try to be sane this time.
Some born with intellect, Some born rulers. Mian Muhammad Nawaz Shareef man made for thrones!
Big day in the history of Pakistan.