Imran Khan’s rivals PML-N and PPP reach deal to form government

Nawaz Sharif’s PML-N and Bilawal Bhutto’s PPP in Pakistan have struck a deal to establish a government together. The PPP has pledged support to help the PML-N elect a prime minister following last week’s election.

The two parties had previously collaborated in a coalition that ousted Imran Khan from power in 2022. However, in this recent election, independent candidates supported by Khan’s PTI unexpectedly secured the highest number of seats.

PPP leader Asif Ali Zardari said in a press conference that despite their past electoral competition, both parties have united for the greater good of the nation.

The results from the elections – in which independents backed by the PTI took 93 out of 266 directly elected seats – left many in Pakistan uncertain about who would form their next government. 

PML-N won 75 seats while Mr Bhutto’s PPP came third with 54 seats.

The PML-N said in a statement that both parties had agreed to cooperate in the interests of political stability.