ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday announced the victory of five prominent leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) in the 2024 general election.
According to the ECP notice, the successful PML-N leaders include Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Hamza Shehbaz Sharif, and Attaullah Tarar.
Hamza Shahbaz Sharif secured victory in NA-118 Lahore, Maryam Nawaz in NA-119 Lahore, and Shehbaz Sharif in NA-123 Lahore. Similarly, Attaullah Tarar was declared successful from NA-127 Lahore, along with PML-N’s leader Mian Nawaz Sharif from NA-130, as officially declared by the notification.
In another development, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif expressed willingness for his party to sit in the opposition if PTI-backed independent candidates demonstrate a majority and form a government in the Centre. He stated during a press conference in Lahore, "If PTI-sponsored independent candidates can demonstrate a majority, then we will willingly sit in the opposition benches and fulfill our constitutional role."
However, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that if the independent candidates fail to form a government, then other political parties have the right to do so, which he described as the "legal and democratic way to proceed." He highlighted that PML-N emerged as the "largest political party" following the February 8 general elections. While acknowledging that independent candidates secured more votes, he reiterated that in terms of political parties, PML-N holds the top position.
Shehbaz Sharif urged political forces to set aside their differences and collaborate to address the challenges faced by Pakistan, now that the election results have been released.
Despite PML-N's failure to secure a majority, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Nawaz Sharif as the party's candidate for the prime ministerial position, stating, "I still stand by my statement that Nawaz Sharif will become the prime minister for the fourth time."
