The BGA Pakistan team, led by Senior Adviser Aniq Zafar, wrote an update to clients on the outcome of Pakistan’s elections.

Context

  • Pakistani voters cast their ballots February 8 to elect a new federal government and four provincial governments. Former prime ministers Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan both declared victory. In the National Assembly, Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) won 93 seats, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) won 54 seats and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz secured 73 seats.
  • Six political parties including the PML-N and PPP agreed to form a coalition government, nominating former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to be the next premier.

Significance

  • Pakistan has moved a step closer to forming a new government after a coalition deal between the PML-N and PPP. Shehbaz Sharif is set to begin a second term as Pakistan’s prime minister, leaving Imran Khan out of powerdespite PTI-affiliated candidates winning the most seats in the National Assembly.
  • The PTI leadership has alleged massive vote rigging and voting irregularities, which Pakistan’s election commission has denied. The election was marred by outbreaks of violence, the suspension of mobile services and internet disruption nationwide. Pakistan’s post-election environment is rife with political uncertainty and security challenges, especially as various political parties continue to hold rallies and sit-ins.

Implications

  • The PPP could form a government in Sindh province, and the PTI will likely form the government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The parties will name chief ministers in the provincial assemblies. The PML-N has managed a lead in Punjab province by attracting some independents to its fold and will likely form a coalition government.
  • Pakistan’s National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies will select the country’s next president in March. More than half of Pakistan’s Senate seats will be up for grabs the same month, with 52 of 100 incumbent lawmakers to retire after completing their six-year terms.

We will continue to keep you updated on developments in Pakistan as they occur. If you have any comments or questions, please contact BGA Pakistan Senior Adviser Aniq Zafar at zafar@bowergroupasia.com.

Best regards,

BGA Pakistan Team

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Senior Advisor

Aniq is one of Pakistan’s most experienced business and public relations advisors, maintaining networks throughout the country’s public and private sectors, civil society and diplomatic circles. As a former journalist, Aniq also has strong relationships in the vibrant and rapidly expanding domestic media environment. Prior to joining BGA, Aniq worked with global clients across sectors on developing communication strategies, crisis communication, understanding regulatory frameworks and political risk assessment. He advised multinational clients from sectors including telecommunications, fast moving consumer goods, tobacco, agriculture, infrastructure, airlines and energy, as well as international development organizations. In the public sector, Aniq advised Pakistan’s Federal ... Read More