In a significant development, the alliance led by Shehbaz Sharif has clinched a commanding two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, marking a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s political landscape. This achievement comes on the heels of the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) distribution of reserved seats among ruling partners, which were previously denied to the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
To attain a two-thirds majority in the 336-seat National Assembly, a minimum of 224 lawmakers’ support is essential. With this recent allocation of seats, the coalition government, spearheaded by Shehbaz Sharif and comprising a diverse array of parties including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), MQM-Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Zia (PML-Z), Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), and National Party (NP), now boasts a robust 230 members in the lower house.
The latest party standings in the National Assembly reflect a significant shift, with the PML-N emerging as the largest party with 123 seats, bolstered by the recent allocation of reserved seats. Meanwhile, the PTI-backed SIC, which previously stood as a formidable force, now trails behind with 82 seats. The PPP has strengthened its position with 73 seats, followed by MQM-P with 22 seats and JUI-F with 11 seats, among others.
The ECP’s ruling, denying reserved seats to the PTI-backed SIC, has reshaped the political landscape and dealt a significant blow to the affected party. Despite dissent from some quarters, the decision has been upheld, leading to the redistribution of reserved seats among other political entities.
In addition to the National Assembly, the ECP has also begun the allocation of reserved seats in provincial assemblies, further solidifying the evolving dynamics of power distribution across Pakistan.
This latest development underscores the evolving political scenario in Pakistan, as alliances are forged, and power dynamics continue to shift within the realm of parliamentary politics.
