New Delhi: With the ongoing announcement of seat-wise results of Pakistan general elections and Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed independents maintaining a consistent lead, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif affirmed his party's respect for the mandates of all political parties, including independents.
“We extend an invitation to all today to join us in the endeavour to rebuild our wounded Pakistan. Our agenda is solely centred on fostering a prosperous Pakistan, and our track record speaks volumes,” Dawn quoted the PML-N leader as saying.
In a somewhat premature celebration, the PML-N supremo conveyed his heartfelt sentiments to his supporters during an address.
“I reciprocate the sentiment. I can perceive the glimmer of hope and enthusiasm in your eyes today,” Sharif said. He further asserted PML-N's emergence as the country's largest party based on current election trends.
“We are all congratulating today because in these elections PML-N has emerged as the largest party in the country,” Dawn quoted Sharif as saying.
Highlighting the urgency for political collaboration, Sharif stressed the need for all parties to unite in forming a government to address Pakistan's prevailing challenges.
“We cannot subject the nation to repeated elections. Although we convened a meeting yesterday, we refrained from addressing you as the results were awaited," Sharif said.
Sharif underscored the collective responsibility of all institutions and individuals in guiding Pakistan through the crises its currently grappling with.
“This is not solely PML-N's Pakistan, it belongs to every Pakistani,” Sharif declared, urging unity to overcome the challenges.
Expressing a commitment to peace and stability, Nawaz Sharif also stressed Pakistan's need for a decade of uninterrupted progress. He disclosed plans for his brother, Shehbaz Sharif, and Ishaq Dar to engage with leaders from PPP, JUI-F, and MQM-P to explore prospects of a coalition government.
“Given the situation right now, Pakistan needs at least 10 years of stability. We do not have the majority to form the government on our own. So, we will invite other parties so that we can form a government together. Shehbaz Sharif and Ishaq Dar will convene discussions today,” Dawn quoted the PML-N veteran as saying.
It is to be noted that as vote counting is in progress, a tough contest emerged between the PML-N, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and the PTI-backed independent candidates. Earlier in the day, Nawaz Sharif clinched his seat from Lahore with 1,71,024 votes.