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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, September 5th 2025 at 11:34 GMT by The News International
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Conservative Leader Shehbaz Sharif Wins Parliamentary Vote to Become Pakistan’s Prime Minister

A decisive parliamentary vote on Thursday night saw Shehbaz Sharif, the seasoned leader of the Pakistan Muslim League‑N (PML‑N) and a prominent business tycoon, elected as Pakistan’s ninth Prime Minister. With 172 votes in favour against 138 for the former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Sharif’s victory not only ended the political deadlock that had gripped the country since April but also signalled a shift back to a more conservative, pro‑business government.

The Vote – Numbers, Timing and Procedure

The National Assembly convened in the capital, Islamabad, at 10:00 pm on 17 August 2022, following a constitutional provision that allows the House to elect a new Prime Minister after a successful vote of no confidence. According to the official tally published by the National Assembly Secretariat, Sharif received 172 votes from 172 members of the 115‑seat house. Imran Khan, the incumbent, secured 138 votes, a margin of 34 votes that was enough to secure a 50‑plus majority for Sharif. A single “present” vote was recorded for a member who chose to abstain.

The process itself was straightforward: the Speaker called the house to order, members announced their chosen candidate, and the votes were counted in a single round. The entire exercise lasted roughly 45 minutes, and was witnessed by a large contingent of journalists and foreign diplomats. “It was a clear demonstration of parliamentary democracy,” noted the Speaker, Sardar Muhammad Khalid. “The house has decided what is best for the nation.”

The vote came a day after a “no‑confidence” motion had toppled Imran Khan’s government in a controversial parliamentary session that drew protests in streets and rallies at the Parliament. The 2013‑era PML‑N had regained the majority in the National Assembly through a coalition with the smaller Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) parties.

The Winner – A Businessman‑Politician

Shehbaz Sharif hails from the illustrious Sharif family of Lahore, whose business empire—originally founded by his grandfather Sheikh Noor‑ul‑Ahad – spans textiles, real estate, aviation and media. Shehbaz himself began his career in the family’s manufacturing ventures, later serving as Punjab’s Finance Minister from 2008 to 2012 and as Chief Minister of Punjab from 2013 to 2018. His economic credentials and record of fiscal prudence earned him a reputation as a “conservative tycoon” by several media outlets, including The News and The Express Tribune.

“I have always focused on creating a business‑friendly environment,” Sharif said at the victory ceremony. “My goal is to make Pakistan an attractive destination for investment, to revive our struggling industries, and to restore confidence in our institutions.”

His policy agenda—announced immediately after the vote—focuses on:

• Economic Growth – Raising the minimum wage, easing tax compliance, and expanding the “Made in Pakistan” branding.
• Infrastructure – Expanding the China‑Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and launching a national high‑speed rail system.
• Judicial Reforms – Strengthening the judiciary’s independence and tackling corruption through the “National Accountability Bureau.”
• Energy – Accelerating the construction of gas and hydro projects to reduce load‑shedding.

These promises resonate with the conservative base that PML‑N’s support relies on, and are seen as a direct response to PTI’s perceived failure to deliver on economic reforms.

The Opposition – Resentment and Re‑Alignment

While the PML‑N’s victory marked a win for the conservative bloc, it also highlighted deep divisions among the opposition. Imran Khan, who was in the Prime Minister’s Office at the time of the vote, called the result a “betrayal” and vowed to fight “to the very end.” He immediately called for a “mass mobilization” against the new government, and his party, PTI, announced that it would “stay in the shadows” until it could re‑establish itself.

The Pakistan Muslim League (Q), led by former President Pervez Musharraf, expressed support for the new government, saying that it could provide stability. “The country needs calm, not chaos,” said Q‑PML chief Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. “We are ready to cooperate on national issues.”

On the other side, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) had been a key ally of PML‑N in the parliament. However, the MQM‑Pakistan faction was reported to be in talks with PTI to form a new opposition coalition, a move that could threaten the stability of Sharif’s coalition if it gains momentum.

International Reactions

Foreign governments and international organisations responded cautiously. The United States State Department released a statement calling the vote a “positive step toward democratic governance.” The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs praised Sharif’s commitment to economic reforms and noted that the EU had been awaiting a stable administration to resume aid disbursement.

China, a close ally through the CPEC initiative, extended a congratulatory message. “China and Pakistan share a strong strategic partnership,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said. “We look forward to working closely with the new government.”

India’s government issued a neutral statement, saying it “wants to work on areas of mutual interest” and to “maintain cordial relations” with the new Pakistani administration.

What Comes Next?

Sharif’s government now faces a series of challenges. The most pressing is the ongoing economic crisis, characterised by a 6.6 % inflation rate and a 13 % fiscal deficit. His first priority will be to negotiate an extended tranche of aid from the International Monetary Fund, a task that will test his negotiation skills and the country’s diplomatic standing.

Moreover, the new government will need to address security concerns: the insurgent threat from the Tehrik‑e‑Taliban in Balochistan, the security of the China‑Pakistan border, and the delicate situation in Kashmir. The National Security Council will convene to assess these matters.

In the domestic arena, Sharif will have to manage a coalition that includes PML‑N’s own factions, the MQM‑Pakistan and the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). Any intra‑coalition disagreement could result in a loss of majority in the National Assembly, thereby risking another vote of no confidence.

Conclusion

Shehbaz Sharif’s election as Prime Minister marks a turning point for Pakistan. As a conservative, business‑savvy leader, he is expected to bring a focus on fiscal discipline and economic revitalisation. Yet the nation will have to watch closely whether his agenda translates into tangible improvements amid a volatile political landscape and a precarious economy.

The parliamentary vote, completed under the constitutional framework, reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to democratic processes. The real test, however, will be whether Sharif can steer the country away from crisis, restore confidence among investors, and forge a stable, prosperous future for all Pakistanis.