Pakistan: Army Chief Urges Unified Government Formation, Backs Nawaz Sharif Amidst Imran Khan's Surprise Success

Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir called upon the country's politically divided leadership to establish a "unified government of all democratic forces," following what appears to be a hung Parliament in the wake of the general elections as per a report by The Hindu.

Munir expressed support for former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's call to his rivals to collaborate in forming a coalition government.

Independent candidates supported by Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party surprisingly secured the majority of 100 seats in the National Assembly during Thursday's (8 February) elections, with the Election Commission of Pakistan announcing results for 255 out of 265 seats.

However, Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz followed closely with 73 seats, while the Pakistan Peoples Party secured 54 seats, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement obtained 17 seats, and smaller parties collectively gained 11 seats.

To establish a government, a party must secure at least 133 seats out of 265 in the National Assembly.

The Army chief stressed the need for stable governance and unity to overcome political turmoil and polarisation, stating that elections should not be viewed as a zero-sum game but as an exercise to determine the people's mandate.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan, 71, asserted victory in the general elections through an AI-generated audio-video message, thanking voters for supporting the PTI and urging them to safeguard the integrity of their votes.

PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hasan warned against any attempt to undermine the people's decision, emphasising the importance of respecting their choice.

Additionally, an anti-terrorism court granted bail to Khan in 12 cases related to the 9 May attacks on military installations by his supporters, following his arrest in a corruption case.

However, Khan remains incarcerated due to convictions in several other cases.