Shehbaz Sharif sworn in as 24th prime minister of Pakistan

Fate of reserved seats faces legal maze

The allocation of reserved seats to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), now the refuge of the beleaguered PTI, encounters another legal hurdle, pushing the final decision into the hands of the superior courts once again.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in a 4-1 majority verdict, dashed the SIC's hopes for a seat quota, citing "non-curable legal defects" and a violation of mandatory provisions in submitting party lists for reserved seats.

However, undeterred by the setback, PTI's legal minds are contemplating a high-stakes move to challenge the electoral body's decision in the high court.

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Foreign capitals endorse new Shehbaz govt

At home, the newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his government may be facing the question of legitimacy but many world capitals appear to have ignored those concerns as several leaders continued to send messages of felicitation to him.

Several world leaders and countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, the United States, the UK, Malaysia and others congratulated Shehbaz and expressed willingness to work with his government.

Turkish President Recep Tayab Erdogan, with whom the Sharif family has a long-standing relationship, was the first world leader to telephone Shehbaz over his election victory.

Read detailed story here.

Tajik president congratulates PM Shehbaz

President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on Monday congratulated newly-elected Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif, emphasising that through joint efforts, both the countries would enhance and expand long-term bilateral partnership.

“I wish you, dear friend and brother, good health and great new successes in the implementation of your plans for the sustainable social and economic development of Pakistan, raising the well-being of the people of the friendly country as well as strengthening its reputation in the international arena,” the Tajik president said in a congratulatory message to the prime minister.

He said that Tajikistan and Pakistan were linked by long traditions of friendship, mutual understanding, respect and trust. He said that the multifaceted cooperation between two countries, based on those good traditions, was constantly developing and enriched with new content.

The Tajik president also invited the prime minister to visit Tajikistan, stressing the sustained interest in continuing the interstate dialogue and cooperation with Pakistan in the effective promotion of bilateral ties.

Saudi Crown Prince felicitates PM Shehbaz

In a cordial gesture of diplomatic goodwill, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, extended warm congratulations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after he took oath as Pakistan’s premier.

The felicitations were conveyed via a cable sent by the crown prince himself, underscoring the amicable relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed his sincere wishes for PM Shehbaz’s success in his new role, reflecting the mutual respect and admiration shared between the two nations.

Moreover, in his message, the crown prince conveyed his hopes for the continuous progress and prosperity of the people of Pakistan under PM Shehbaz’s leadership.

Malaysian PM congratulates Shehbaz

Prime Minister of Malaysia Anwar Ibrahim on Monday congratulated the newly-elected Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif on assuming the charge of his office. The Malaysian prime minister expressed best wishes for him and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, for which PM Shehbaz thanked him, saying that Pakistan and Malaysia had a long-standing brotherly relationship.

During a telephonic conversation with his Malaysian counterpart, PM Shehbaz said Pakistan wanted to further promote trade and diplomatic ties with Malaysia. The prime minister also invited his Malaysian counterpart to visit Pakistan.

Shehbaz sees off outgoing PM after farewell guard of honour

A sharply dressed contingent representing all three services extended a farewell guard of honour to the departing Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaarul Haq Kakar on Monday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif bid him farewell following the ceremonial guard of honour and a concluding meeting with the staff of the Prime Minister's Office.

PTI to challenge ECP verdict on reserved seats

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has decided to challenge the decision of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the Supreme Court, which denied reserved seats for women and minorities to the Sunni Ittehad Council in the National Assembly.

In his address during a Senate session following the verdict, PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar said that the ECP’s decision is a stab in the back of democracy. He emphasised that it is the responsibility of the National Assembly and provincial assemblies to elect senators, the president, the prime minister, and the chairman Senate, and incomplete assemblies cannot fulfil these elections.

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ECP rejects SIC's plea for reserved seats in NA

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday rejected the application of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) for reserved seats for women and minorities in the National Assembly.

The SIC, a party backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sought these seats through an application that stirred controversy and led to a prolonged deliberation by the electoral body.

A five-member bench, presided over by Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja, reached a 4-1 verdict, declaring that the Sunni Ittehad Council is not entitled to reserved seats in the National Assembly.

The ECP maintained that these seats would be distributed among other political parties based on their proportional representation. The commission emphasised that reserved seats in the assemblies cannot be left vacant.

However, it's worth noting that ECP Punjab member Babar Hassan Bharwana dissented from the majority decision, expressing disagreement with the allocation of reserved seats to other political parties.

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Shehbaz sworn in as prime minister of Pakistan

PML-N leader Shehbaz Sharif took the oath of office as the 24^th prime minister of Pakistan on Monday, a day after being elected the premier for the second time.

The premier was administered the oath by President Arif Alvi.

PML-N leaders including Shehbaz’s brother, three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif, also attended the ceremony.

Achakzai says house raided for 'seeking parliament's supremacy'

Speaking during the newly convened session of the 16^th National Assembly, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, head of the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and presidential candidate, said his house was raided for seeking to uphold the supremacy of Parliament.

The PkMAP chief took the floor after PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto requested the NA speaker to allow Achakzai to address the session before him.

The PkMAP alleged on Sunday that the police raided the house of its party chief and presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai without justification and arrested his personal guard.

Addressing a press conference at the party's central secretariat in Quetta, PkMAP Central Secretary General Abdul Rahim Ziaratwal said that a heavy police contingent raided the house of the party chief “without any magistrate" in violation of the people’s right to privacy, according to a BBC report.

He added that the police also arrested a personal guard of Achakzai’s, who was in possession of a licensed weapon. The PkMAP leader alleged that the raid came after Achakzai exposed rigging in the recent elections and the people responsible for it in a National Assembly session.

Bilawal urges older lawmakers to make decision for youth

Addressing the opposition in his first speech at the newly convened 16th National Assembly, PPP scion Bilawal Bhutto said on Monday “the people did not vote for you, or us, or them (PML-N) so we come here and abuse each other; they voted for us so we address the country’s dire economic situation”.

The PPP chairman said the general elections of February 8 are being "made controversial for no reason" by incidents such as the raid on presidential candidate Mahmood Khan Achakzai's residence.

He then asked the NA speaker to give Achakzai the floor.

Bilawal also urged older lawmakers to make decisions that benefit the youth and the coming generations. “Past decisions that have been made have completely ruined the country.”

The PPP scion also expressed disappointment at the abuse that was hurled when PM-elect Shehbaz Sharif won the contest for the prime minister's office.

Bilawal calls on PM to take notice of raid at Mahmood Achakzai’s house

In his first address to the 16^th National Assembly, PPP leader Bilwal Bhutto condemned on Monday last night’s raid at PkMAP chief and opposition’s presidential nominee Mahmood Khan Achakzai’s house in Quetta.

He called on prime minister-elect Shehbaz Sharif to have the raid investigated, stating that the presidential election was being made unnecessarily controversial.

Bilwal then requested NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to allow Achakzai to speak before him.

Sadiq said he was unaware of the raid and said he would speak to the Balochistan chief minister if something like this has happened. He then allowed the PkMAP chief to take the floor.

PM-elect Shehbaz Sharif to take oath today

PM-elect Shehbaz Sharif will take oath of the prime minister's office today. President Arif Alvi will adminster the oath. 

President Erdogan congratulates PM-elect Shehbaz

In a display of diplomatic camaraderie, Prime Minister-elect Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received a congratulatory telephone call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to Foreign Office (FO).

President Erdogan conveyed warm felicitations to Shehbaz, acknowledging his election to the esteemed position of prime minister of Pakistan.

During the call, Erdogan expressed unwavering confidence in Shehbaz Sharif's capabilities to guide Pakistan towards a trajectory of progress and prosperity.

In response, PM-elect graciously extended his gratitude to Erdogan for his kind words. He emphasised the deep-rooted and fraternal bonds shared between Pakistan and Turkiye, highlighting the significance of nurturing and strengthening these historical ties.

Both leaders reiterated their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, pledging to foster greater collaboration between Pakistan and Turkiye.

World seems ready to work with Shehbaz govt despite controversial polls

Despite questions over the legitimacy of the February 8 elections, the world seems to be ready to work with the new government as messages of felicitations started pouring in the moment Shehbaz Sharif was elected as prime minister.

Read detailed story here.

President Xi felicitates Shehbaz on election as PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang on Sunday congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

President Xi Jinping expressed confidence that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan's new government, and the united efforts of all sectors of Pakistan, Pakistan would be able to make new and greater achievements in the cause of national development and progress, according to the state-run news agency Xinhua.

He stressed that China and Pakistan should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, jointly build an upgraded version of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, continue to deepen their all-weather strategic cooperative partnership, build a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era, and create more well-being for the two peoples.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang of the State Council also sent a congratulatory message to the newly-elected Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Profile: Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan’s new prime minister

The parliament on Sunday elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister for a second term.

Shehbaz, the younger brother of three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and president of his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) grabbed 201 votes in the lower house, or the National Assembly, defeating his rival Omer Ayub Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The 72-year-old cancer survivor previously served as premier from April 2022 to Aug. 2023 following a successful parliamentary no-confidence vote against Khan.

Born on Sept. 23, 1951, to a Punjabi-speaking Kashmiri family in Lahore, the capital of Punjab, Shehbaz is known as a "tough administrator" who, according to some analysts, knows the "art to govern."

His administrative skills were widely recognised during his three stints as chief minister of the country’s largest and richest province Punjab i.e. from 1997 to 1999, 2008 to 2013, and 2013 to 2018.

Read detailed story here.

12 candidates vie for three vacant Balochistan Senate seats

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that as many as 12 candidates have submitted their nomination papers for the three vacant Senate seats from Balochistan.

This follows the completion of the submission of nomination papers to the Returning Officer, Muhammad Farid Afridi.

The Senate seats fell vacant following the resignations of Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Prince Ahmad Umar Ahmadzai, and Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haidari.

With the deadline for nominations closed, the stage is set for a keenly contested election scheduled for March 14, 2024, within the premises of the Balochistan Assembly.

Muhammad Farid Afridi, who serves as the Provincial Election Commissioner of Balochistan, will oversee the electoral process as the returning officer for the Senate elections.

Candidates had the opportunity to submit their nomination papers on March 2 and 3, between 08:30am and 04:30pm. The deadline for the scrutiny of nomination papers has been set for March 5, while appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nominations can be lodged until March 7.

The tribunal responsible for resolving appeals is mandated to conclude its proceedings by March 9, after which a revised list of candidates will be published. March 10 has been designated as the final date for the withdrawal of nomination papers.

Come March 14, 2024, voters will cast their ballots from 9am to 4pm without interruption, deciding the fate of the three coveted Senate seats in Balochistan.

Elections 2024 shattered record of rigging set in 2018: Fazl

Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of Jamiat-e-Ulema Islam (JUI-F), lambasted the recently concluded 2024 elections in Pakistan, accusing them of surpassing the previous record of rigging set during the 2018 polls.

Fazl made these assertions during a press conference in Karachi, where he claimed that mounting international pressure forced Pakistan's military establishment to yield, thus influencing the election outcome.

Read detailed story here.

Barrister Gohar elected PTI chairman unopposed

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Sunday announced the results of its intra-party elections, with Barrister Gohar Ali Khan securing the chairmanship uncontested, according to Raoof Hassan, the party's Central Information Secretary and Federal Election Commissioner.

In a press briefing, Hassan disclosed the outcomes of the elections, revealing that Omar Ayub has clinched the role of Central General Secretary, and Dr Yasmin Rashid has been acclaimed as the unopposed President of Punjab.

Read detailed story here.

PTI’s Omar Ayub terms PM’s election ‘illegal’

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) nominee for prime minister, Omar Ayub Khan, launched a scathing attack on the coalition government during a National Assembly session on Sunday, describing it as a "fascist" regime focused solely on looting Pakistan's resources without any ideology.

Khan, addressing the assembly, voiced grievances over what he perceived as unfair electoral practices, stating, "We did not get the seats that we should’ve gotten, so the election of speaker, deputy speaker and prime minister has become illegal."

Referring to the members of coalition government in the house as "beneficiaries" of Form-47, Khan asserted that had the results been announced as per Form-45, PTI would have secured 180 seats in the National Assembly.

Read more.

Joint session of Parliament called on March 9

A joint session of the Parliament to elect the next president of Pakistan has been summoned on March 9 by newly-elected National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. 

In a notification issued on Sunday, the speaker summoned the session at 10am on Saturday. 

Read full story here

Shebaz vows to eliminate terrorism

The newly-elected premier further said that perpetrators of the May 9 riots will not be forgiven, vowing action against all those who were involved in the riots.

Shehbaz also promised to end terrorism in the country and address its root causes. He said the aim of his government is to take the National Action Plan (NAP) forward.

Referring to the economy, Shehbaz said that the incoming government would bring investment in to the country and creat economic conditions to spur growth, emphasising that "one window" export zones will be established in all provinces.

Shehbaz promises public transport, hospitals

During his maiden speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz also promised subsidies for farmers and said a package on solar tube-wells will be announced soon. He promised that the "seed mafia" would be eliminated soon and Pakistan would import seeds from the best countries in the world to provide them to farmers. 

He added that the federal government would work with all provinces in the agriculture sector. 

Shehbaz also said efficient public transport and state-of-the-art hospitals and medical facilities will be provided to the people. 

Referring to justice, he said the government would work on introducing a system through which the people will get swift justice and those women and children who are currently incarcerated and whose sentences are less than two years, will be freed.

'We will rise'

The newly-elected premier said Pakistan is facing an alarming debt crisis, and vowed to make Pakistan "self-sufficient". “But if we decide to do a deep surgery and bring changes in the system, basic reforms, and I do not doubt that Nawaz Sharif, Asif Ali Zardari and others will agree that we can either get rid of a life of debt or we move forward in shame."

"We will rise and we will make Pakistan self-sufficient," said Shehbaz. 

He maintained that the people of Pakistan were suffering the burden of sky-high electricity and gas prices and said "electricity and tax thefts are a matter of life and death for Pakistan". 

“It is difficult and a long and thorny journey full of hurdles, but countries that surmounted these challenges became one of the most prosperous nations around the world."

He added that he would bring a technological model to reduce tax theft, which he maintained, would "reduce inflation, increase employment, the country will grow".

Shehbaz vows to steer Pakistan out of current crisis

In his maiden speech as the 24th prime minister, Shehbaz thanked the PML-N's allies and his brother, three-time premier Nawaz Sharif, for putting their trust in him to lead the country.

PTI-backed lawmakers chanted slogans of 'chor' as Shehbaz spoke as the newly elected Leader of the House. 

“When my quaid was elected the prime minister thrice, the development that followed in the country is an example of its own. And it is not wrong to say that Nawaz Sharif is the one who built Pakistan," said the newly-elected premier. 

Paying tribute to his allies and the PPP, he said the nation will always remember the sacrifices of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. 

Shebaz, hinting at PTI, said his elder brother has never even thought of harming the country and regretted how the PML-N was treated during the tenure of the PTI government. “They put the entire opposition behind bars, they didn’t care about women or children and used language that cannot be said out loud."

The new prime minister also vowed to steer Pakistan out of its current crisis. "If we come together and decide to change the fate of Pakistan. God willing, we will defeat these challenges and take Pakistan to its rightful position.”

He added that the job was difficult but not insurmountable. 

Shehbaz Sharif elected prime minister

PML-N president and the coalition's candidate for premiership, Shehbaz Sharif, was elected prime minister of Pakistan after securing a majority vote from lawmakers in the National Assembly.

Shehbaz secured a 100 vote plus lead over his opponent and bagged 201 votes while PTI's Omar secured 92 votes. 

Bells ring to signal completion of voting process

NA staff has again rung the bells to signal the completion of the voting process and to bring the lawmakers back into the assembly hall. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq will announce the result for the prime minister's election shortly.

WATCH: Nawaz Sharif casts his vote

Polling to elect prime minister begins

The election for the prime minister has commenced in the National Assembly with bells being rung and Speaker Ayaz Sadiq instructing NA staff to close the doors. 

The speaker has assigned Lobby A to Shehbaz Sharif and Lobby B to Omar Ayub.

NA session to elect prime minister underway amid opposition's protest

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq officially kicked off the proceedings to elect the 24th Prime Minister of Pakistan amid noisy protests from the opposition.

The PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif and PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council's Omar Ayub Khan are to face off, with the former expected to secure victory with a comfortable lead.

The session began with the speaker administering oath to PML-N's Jamal Khan Raisani.

Sadiq then read out the rules of the procedure to elect the prime minister.

Looking to a precarious future

As Shehbaz Sharif gears up for his second term as Pakistan's Prime Minister, expectations run high, and challenges loom even larger. With a reputation for flexibility, he's seen as a figure who can bring relief to both the establishment and his coalition partners.

However, the road ahead is paved with critical decisions, especially as Pakistan faces near economic stagnation and pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to implement key reforms, which aim to further tighten belt, enhance revenues and further curtail already meagre development expenditures.

The dual challenge of managing a fragile coalition, characterised by diverse interests and ideologies, and confronting a vocal opposition, notably Imran Khan's PTI-backed members, adds complexity to Sharif's task.

The need to revitalise a struggling economy demands decisive actions, from driving investments to boosting exports and fostering trade. Navigating IMF pressure amid financial constraints, high debt, and hesitancy from domestic and foreign private sectors due to security concerns and political uncertainty makes Sharif's tenure one of the most challenging yet crucial periods for any political leader.

The economic intricacies that Sharif's government will have to navigate are considerable, with Pakistan already ensnared in a debt trap. The burden of $130 billion in foreign loans, coupled with the obligation to repay $10 billion by June 30, presents a formidable immediate challenge. Foreign reserves, standing at a modest $8 billion, further complicate the task, raising questions about the feasibility of repaying the outstanding amount, even if friendly nations rollover half of the total payable.

Read the detailed story here.

PM-nominee Shehbaz Sharif arrives at NA with brother Nawaz Sharif

Bilawal Bhutto, Asif Zardari reach NA for PM's election

WATCH: Barrister Gohar speaks to media on arrival at NA for prime minister's election

Zartaj Gul speaks to media on arrival at NA

Omar Ayub arrives at NA ahead of PM election

WATCH: Marriyum Aurangzeb speaks to media at NA ahead of PM election

In an informal media talk at the National Assembly ahead of the election for prime minister, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said Shehbaz Sharif’s election as the next prime minister was good news for Pakistan.

Criticising the PTI’s 2018 tenure, she said the journey of progress that got stopped in 2018 will restart again.

“The era of youth employment, business, and development will begin again,” she said, adding that it was under Shehbaz Sharif’s premiership that the country was “saved from the default”.

Speaking highly of the PML-N president, she said that Pakistan will now experience stability in both economy and politics. “God willing, the difficult conditions of the people will improve,” she said.

“Once again, the journey of education, health, IT, agriculture, industry, youth development is starting in the country,” Marriyum said.

Shehbaz on course to easy win in PM vote

The forecast may be cloudy for Sunday, but PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif is poised for a political sunrise, expected to assume the mantle of the country's next prime minister, just 24 days after the ‘controversial’ general elections.

At a time when the country is close to seeing the formation of a new federal government, rigging allegations have cast a shadow over the country’s political landscape, leading to intensified tensions between former allies, the PML-N and the JUI-F.

Attempts at finding common ground between the two have proven challenging, even with PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif's charm offensive failing to sway JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to support his brother, Shehbaz Sharif. Instead, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has opted to skip the election altogether, embarking on a three-day visit to Karachi.

Read the detailed story here.

Khawaja Asif named PML-N parliamentary leader in NA

Khawaja Asif has officially been designated as the parliamentary leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the National Assembly. The appointment notification for Khawaja Asif has been duly issued.

Ahsan Iqbal, the Secretary General of PML-N, communicated Asif's appointment to the Speaker of the National Assembly via a formal letter.

In a separate development, the PML-N has issued a show cause notice to the recently elected Member of the National Assembly (MNA), Nelson Azeem. The notice is in response to Azeem's non-participation in the elections for speaker and deputy speaker in the National Assembly.

PTI protests alleged election irregularities, calls for justice

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) organised nationwide protests on Saturday, alleging electoral malpractice during the general elections held on February 8. After clashes with law enforcement, several PTI leaders and supporters were taken into police custody.

Claiming electoral violations, PTI supporters gathered across the country for protests. The Insaf Lawyers Forum (ILF), along with PTI supporters, held a demonstration outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) in Lahore. Despite a strong police presence at GPO Chowk, water cannons were ready to disperse protesters.

At GPO Chowk, law enforcement used batons to disperse agitated PTI supporters, leading to the detention of several leaders and activists, including Mian Shehzad Farooq, Hafiz Zeeshan, and former Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar, Aftab Bajwa.

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PPP senator proposes permanent ban on social media

A resolution calling for a permanent ban on social media has been submitted in the Senate by Senator Bahramand Tangi, a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The resolution is set to be discussed in the upcoming Monday session.

Senator Tangi's resolution contends that there is a growing concern about social media being utilised to spread negative and malicious propaganda against the Pakistan Army, ultimately working against the interests of the country. Additionally, it raises alarm over the perceived negative impact of social media platforms on the nation's youth.

According to Senator Tangi, social media is being exploited to promote ideas that contradict the religious and cultural values of Pakistan, and he asserts that this, in turn, harms the interests of the country through the dissemination of damaging propaganda against the Pakistan Army.

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Omar Ayub objects to Shehbaz's prime ministerial candidacy

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) candidate for prime minister, Omar Ayub Khan, has officially raised objections against the nomination papers of PML-N-led coalition's candidate for prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif.

In a statement shared on social media, Ayub claimed that Sharif had acquired the constituency through manipulation of Form-47 on February 9, a day after the general election.

"He had lost the constituency as per Form-45. He has been wrongly administered the oath as MNA and thus cannot be a candidate for the Prime Minister’s position," maintained the PTI leader.

Bilawal outlines PPP's conciliatory vision for Balochistan

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed the media in Quetta on Saturday, outlining the party's commitment to resolving the multifaceted challenges faced by Balochistan.

Bilawal, along with the newly-elected Chief Minister of Balochistan, Sarfraz Bugti, and other PPP members, emphasised the importance of a collaborative and conciliatory approach to governance.

He highlighted that the PPP would work with all stakeholders, both inside and outside the provincial assembly, to address the problems confronting Balochistan. He expressed his intention to govern in accordance with the conciliatory thinking of his late mother, Benazir Bhutto, who advocated for inclusive and cooperative governance.

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PPP's Sarfraz Bugti takes oath as chief minister Balochistan

PPP's Sarfraz Bugti has taken oath as chief minister of Balochistan. He was administered the oath by Balochistan Governor Abdul Wali Kakar.

He was elected unopposed to the office of chief minister. 

Gandapur takes oath as K-P CM

PTI's Ali Amin Gandapur has taken oath as the new chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). K-P Governor Haji Ghulam Ali admisntered the oath at the provincial assembly.

Nomination papers for PM submitted

The coalition candidate for the office of prime minister, PML-N's Shehbaz Sharif, and the PTI nominee for the post, Omar Ayub, submitted their nomination papers on Saturday. 

Leaders of coalition parties including Khawaja Asif, Khurshid Shah, Attaullah Tarar and Tariq Bashir Cheema were present to submit Shehbaz's papers. 

For PTI, party leaders Asad Qaiser, Aamir Dogar, Ali Muhammad, and Barrister Gohar Khan were in attendance to submit Ayub's nomination papers.

Read full story here

WATCH: PTI's Sher Afzal Marwat reaches Liaquat Bagh

Sarfraz Bugti elected Balochistan chief minister

PPP's Sarfraz Bugti was elected Balochistan chief minister after securing 41 votes in a one-sided contest. The election saw JUI-F members boycotting the session.

The swearing-in ceremony for the newly elected chief executive of Balochistan will be held on Saturday evening at the Governor House in Quetta.

WATCH: PTI's protest at Liaquat Bagh, Rawalpindi