Pakistan’s major parties formally announce ruling coalition that keeps Imran Khan shut out

Islamabad, Pakistan CNN —

Two of Pakistan’s dynastic political parties have formally announced the formation of a coalition government, a move that brings an end to nearly two weeks of negotiations and likely keeps an incarcerated Imran Khan out of power despite his affiliates winning the most seats in the country’s controversial election.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) announced the coalition late Tuesday, naming former premier Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister and Asif Ali Zardari as president.

“I had offered the independent candidates to form the government first as nobody had a clear mandate; now we have the required number,” Sharif said during the news conference. “It would not be an easy ride. We will work together to bring this country on the path of development and progress.”

The development comes after the South Asian nation’s general election failed to produce a decisive winner earlier this month.

Pakistan Muslim League supporters attend an election campaign rally in Kasur, Punjab, on February 6, 2024.

Independent candidates affiliated with former Prime Minister Khan’s Pakistan Tehereek-e-Insaf (PTI) party secured the most parliamentary seats, in a stunning victory for the jailed cricket icon.

But none of the three major parties that contested won the necessary seats to declare a majority in parliament.

Supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demand free and fair results of the election, in Peshawar, Pakistan, February 9, 2024.

Related article Pakistan’s youth deliver stinging rebuke to military elite by backing jailed leader Khan

Shortly after the coalition announcement, the PTI accused the PMLN and PPP of