From Fortune:

Imran Khan’s PTI party was barred from Pakistan’s election, but his loyalists still claimed 100 of 265 contested seats. They have the first right to form a government. Their performance shows Khan’s enduring popularity, especially among Pakistan’s young, middle-class demographic.

Former premier Sharif spoke to cheering crowds, claiming victory and vowing to speak to Bhutto Zardari’s PPP on forming an alliance to lead the country. Analysts say Sharif had the blessings of the military for the top job.

The elections were marred by terrorist attacks in remote provinces bordering Afghanistan that killed dozens. The US and European Union expressed concerns about the mobile phone service suspension and polling irregularities.

The next leader will have to negotiate a new deal with the IMF and navigate complex ties with the US and China, rising domestic terrorism, and tense relations with neighbors including India, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Khan, a former cricket star, was ousted from power in April 2022 after clashing with the military. He’s now in prison after receiving sentences in three cases, where charges included leaking state secrets and having an unlawful wedding.

In an AI-generated speech after the election, Khan criticized Sharif as a “dishonorable man” for claiming victory despite winning fewer seats. He received support from his party in defiance.

It may take weeks for a government to be finalized. But any alliance between the Sharif and Bhutto clans would probably anger the millions of Khan’s young supporters, who hung on to the former cricket star’s populist rhetoric and see those parties as representing the old ways of Pakistani politics.



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