Shehbaz Sharif returns as Pakistan’s new premier as Imran Khan allies in parliament allege rigging

By MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Lawmakers in Pakistan’s National Assembly have elected Shehbaz Sharif for a comeback term as prime minister. He held the office from April 2022 to August 2023, and is the younger brother of three-time premier Nawaz Sharif. Allies of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan in parliament shouted in protest against his appointment on Sunday, alleging rigging in last month’s election. Following days of negotiations, Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League party and his supporters formed an alliance after the Feb. 8 election, which was overshadowed by militant violence, a nationwide mobile phone shutdown, Khan’s exclusion from the vote, and an unusual delay in announcing the results.