Pakistan’s Major Parties Announce Ruling Coalition Excluding Imran Khan Two of Pakistan’s powerful dynastic political parties have officially formed a coalition government, bringing an end to nearly two weeks of negotiations and likely keeping former Prime Minister Imran Khan out of power. Despite his party’s affiliates securing the most seats in the controversial general election, Khan remains incarcerated, and his political future remains uncertain.
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) announced their coalition late Tuesday, with Shehbaz Sharif named as the new Prime Minister and Asif Ali Zardari as President.
“I had extended an offer to independent candidates to form the government first, as there was no clear mandate. Now, we have the required numbers,” Sharif stated during a news conference. “This will not be an easy task, but we will work together to lead the country towards development and progress.”
This announcement comes after Pakistan’s general election earlier this month, which failed to produce a decisive winner. While independent candidates aligned with Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party secured the most parliamentary seats, none of the three major parties was able to form a majority in parliament.
PTI Responds with Accusations of Election Fraud
Following the coalition’s formation, the PTI accused the PML-N and PPP of stealing their mandate to govern.
“Together they stole the nation’s mandate, and now they’ll loot the country. But the people will not let that happen,” PTI wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
PTI was effectively banned from contesting the election after their cricket bat symbol, used on ballots to identify candidates, was removed, and their members’ speeches were barred from airing on television. As a result, PTI members ran as independent candidates.
The PTI has also raised claims of widespread election rigging. From prison, Imran Khan issued a statement warning: “I warn against forming a government with stolen votes. This daylight robbery not only disrespects the citizens but will also push the economy further into decline.”
Political Dynasties Resurface
The Sharif family’s political dominance continues with Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who has served as Prime Minister three times. Shehbaz Sharif, the scion of a powerful steel dynasty, was sworn in as Pakistan’s Prime Minister in April 2022 after Khan was ousted from office through a parliamentary no-confidence vote, leading to a tense political battle between the two men.
Khan has since been jailed and sentenced to at least 14 years on charges including corruption and revealing state secrets. With the formation of the new coalition, Shehbaz Sharif is set to assume the Prime Minister’s office for the second time, with Asif Ali Zardari, the widower of Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s assassinated former Prime Minister, by his side.
This political shift marks another chapter in Pakistan’s complex dynastic politics, where the influence of the Sharif and Bhutto families remains a dominant force.
The Formation of Pakistan’s New Ruling Coalition
In early 2025, Pakistan’s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and several smaller regional parties came together to form a new ruling coalition. The move is seen as a direct effort to exclude Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from any significant political role.
This coalition is poised to control both the national assembly and key provincial governments, giving it significant influence over the country’s future. Despite Khan’s popularity, particularly among youth and urban voters, the coalition parties have strategically sidelined him. The exclusion is rooted in various legal and political challenges Khan faces, including his conviction on corruption charges and the widespread opposition to his leadership style.
The Key Parties Involved and Their Interests
The newly formed coalition brings together some of Pakistan’s most powerful political forces:
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): Led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the PPP has long been a major player in Pakistan’s political scene, with a focus on social welfare programs and progressive policies.
- Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N): A dominant force in Pakistani politics, PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif and his family, is known for its pro-business policies and focus on infrastructure development.
- Regional Parties: Smaller parties from provinces like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also joined the coalition, seeking greater political representation and resource allocation for their regions.
While the PPP and PML-N were once bitter rivals, their alliance is driven by a shared interest in maintaining political stability and avoiding the populist rise of Imran Khan’s PTI.
Imran Khan’s Exclusion: A Result of Political Struggles
Imran Khan’s political career has faced significant hurdles in recent years. After his ousting as prime minister in 2022, Khan’s political influence has continued to wane due to various legal challenges, including his conviction for corruption and ongoing public unrest related to his leadership style.
Although Khan’s PTI still holds a large voter base, particularly in urban and younger demographics, the coalition’s decision to exclude him is based on the following factors:
- Legal Challenges: Khan’s conviction has made it difficult for him to engage in meaningful political leadership. His exclusion from the political scene has been solidified through legal barriers.
- Public Image: His aggressive stance on protests and anti-government rhetoric has alienated many establishment figures, leaving him without the support needed to form alliances in the current political climate.
- Strategic Alliances: The PPP and PML-N have come together to solidify their power and prevent Khan from staging a comeback, ensuring they retain control over major policy decisions and governance.
The Future of Pakistan’s Political Stability
With a new ruling coalition in place, many wonder what the future holds for Pakistan’s political stability. The coalition’s unity will be tested by internal disagreements and external pressures. The PTI’s exclusion could lead to continued instability, especially if Khan’s supporters continue to stage protests.
However, there are some potential benefits to this political shift:
- Stronger Governance: With fewer factions competing for power, the ruling coalition could lead to more unified governance, potentially improving economic stability and policy-making.
- Resolution of Imran Khan’s Challenges: The exclusion could also allow for the resolution of legal challenges against Khan, clearing the way for him to potentially return to politics in the future.
- Impact on Upcoming Elections: The coalition’s success or failure will play a critical role in upcoming elections, where voter sentiment will heavily influence Pakistan’s political future.
Conclusion
The formation of this new ruling coalition marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s political landscape. By excluding Imran Khan, the PPP and PML-N have effectively neutralized one of the country’s most powerful political figures. This move has far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s political future, governance, and the role of popular figures in shaping the country’s direction.
As the situation unfolds, political analysts will closely monitor the coalition’s ability to maintain unity and whether Imran Khan’s PTI can regain its momentum in future elections.
FAQs
Why was Imran Khan excluded from the new coalition? Imran Khan was excluded due to his ongoing legal challenges, his conviction on corruption charges, and political disagreements with the PPP and PML-N.
Which parties are part of the new ruling coalition in Pakistan? The new coalition includes the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and several regional parties.
How does Imran Khan’s exclusion affect Pakistan’s politics? Imran Khan’s exclusion has reshaped Pakistan’s political landscape, potentially leading to greater stability for the ruling coalition but also continuing to divide the nation.
Will Imran Khan return to politics? Despite his exclusion, Imran Khan’s large base of support and legal challenges may allow him to re-enter politics, depending on how his legal issues evolve.
What are the potential benefits of the new coalition? The coalition could lead to stronger governance, more unified policy decisions, and a reduction in political factionalism, although internal disagreements may pose challenges.
What impact will this have on Pakistan’s upcoming elections? The success or failure of this coalition will significantly influence voter sentiment and the outcome of Pakistan’s next elections.