Former Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif on Friday claimed his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawazs (PML-N) won the national polls though no clear picture emerged as results showed Imran Khans Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates dominating in several seats and promising to give tough battle to other political outfits.
According to local news reports, PTI-backed independent candidates are leading with more than 90 seats to their name.
in his victory speech Nawaz Sharif was quoted as saying by Geo News: Alhamdulillah, the PML-N is the largest single party in the country today after the elections.
He referred to the countrys ongoing financial crisis and said at least 10 years are needed to bring stability to the country.
Our sole agenda is a prosperous Pakistan, he added.
Imran Khan PTI, meanwhile, released an AI-generated video of the former PM and claimed victory over the polls.
PTI posted: Chairman Imran Khans victory speech (AI version) after an unprecedented fightback from the nation that resulted in PTIs landslide victory in General Elections 2024.
Amid terror attacks and tensions, Pakistan voted in the national polls on February 8.
Imran Khan is currently languishing in prison.
PPP factor
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalwart Khursheed Shah has said his party was unlikely to join hands with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) if Nawaz Sharif portrays himself as the next prime minister of the financial-crisis hit nation.
We will take decisions after due deliberations, Shah told Geo News, as he further slammed Nawaz, wondering: What majority does the PML-N have?
US, UK voice concern
The United States said claims of interference or fraud in the polls should be fully investigated.
We condemn electoral violence, restrictions on the exercise of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including attacks on media workers, and restrictions on access to the Internet and telecommunication services, and are concerned about allegations of interference in the electoral process, the US State Department said in a statement after Sharif claimed victory.
UK Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs David Cameron posted on X: We recognise serious concerns over the fairness and lack of inclusivity of Pakistans elections. Authorities must uphold fundamental human rights including free access to information and the rule of law.I applaud all who voted.
