Shehbaz Sharif becomes Pakistan’s new premier as Imran Khan’s allies in parliament allege rigging

On Sunday, lawmakers in Pakistan’s National Assembly elected Shehbaz Sharif as the country’s new prime minister for the second time amidst protests from allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan, who alleged rigging in last month’s election.

Khan, currently serving prison terms in multiple cases, was ousted in April 2022. Sharif replaced him after a no-confidence vote in parliament.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced Sharif secured 201 votes, defeating Omar Ayub of the Sunni Ittehad Council who got 92 votes. Sharif only needed 169 votes to secure a majority.

Ayub was backed by Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI), which couldn't garner enough seats to form a government independently. PTI declined coalition talks with rivals.

Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League and allies formed an alliance after the Feb. 8 election, marked by violence, a mobile phone shutdown, Khan's exclusion, and a delayed result announcement to curb attacks.

While Khan’s party alleged vote rigging, authorities justified the communication cut to prevent attacks.

Sharif, addressing parliament, remarked, “We were subjected to political victimization in the past but never took any revenge,” accusing Khan’s supporters of attacking military installations in 2022.

During his speech, some lawmakers held Khan's portraits, shouting “vote thief” and “shame,” causing chaos. Sharif urged them to present evidence of rigging.

He offered reconciliation to the opposition but was met with protests. Sharif also spoke of repairing U.S. ties and addressing economic challenges.

Ayub praised Khan's “bravery” and repeated rigging allegations, demanding a probe into the election.

Khan urged the IMF to audit the election, drawing criticism from Sharif days before the IMF releases a key bailout installment.

China’s President Xi Jinping congratulated Sharif on his election.