KARACHI: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Monday denied allegations that party supremo Nawaz Sharif was angry after election results showed his party failing to clinch a majority in the February 8 polls.He made these views during his interview on Geo News, amidst strong political activity in Islamabad and Lahore, where key actors are consulting on the establishment of a coalition administration at the Centre.
The Pakistan Election Commission has revealed all of the results, with former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party leading with over 90 seats, followed by the PML-N, which won 75 constituencies.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) gained 54 seats, with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) winning 17.
However, a split mandate rendered it difficult for a single party to establish a government in the 336-member house, where the backing of at least 169 members is required to win the prime ministerial position.
Speaking with Geo News anchorperson Shahzeb Khanzada, Asif stated that Nawaz was not dissatisfied with the results, adding that “we are aware of the shortcomings but will fulfil our promise of providing relief to the masses after coming into power.” PTI has a history of crying foul after every election.
He stated that PPP has also accepted the outcome.
Asif responded to a query by saying that independent candidates are joining the PML-N and that the party is not offering them any bribes.
When asked to comment on the power-sharing formula being negotiated by the PPP and PML-N, the former defence minister criticized the concept, stating that multiple arduous measures must be taken in three years, increasing the challenges of ordinary people.
“It would be unwise to hand over the government to another party after bringing stability.”
He argued that they had the majority and that it was their right to have a representative in the Prime Minister’s Office.
“My confidence is restored after seeing Mian sahab’s passion.”
The PML-N leader described Nawaz Sharif’s meeting with the MQM-P as positive and guaranteed that the problems in Karachi will be addressed.
