A New Dawn in Pakistan: Nawaz and Zardari to form New Government

The results were quite unexpected. President Pervez Musharraf never expected that his supporting parties would bite the dust in the elections. People in Pakistan did not turn up in large numbers, but whoever voted, were against Musharraf and his policies. As a result, even former PM and PML (Q) Shujaat Hussein lost from two seats. Other ministers including former foreign minister Khurshid Ahmed Kasoori too lost.

Out of the 258 (272) results declared so far, Pakistan People's Party has won 87 seats, while Nawaz Sharif's PML (N) has won 66. Pro-Musharraf party, PML (Q) has won only 38 seats. Sind-based MQM has won 9 seats, while ANP (Secular Pashtuns) won 10 seats. Others including the independents have won 38 seats.

Meanwhile, PPP Chief Asif Zardari and PML (N) Chief Nawaz Sharif would meet on Thursday to discuss the government formation. In all probability, both parties will take necessary steps to form the next government in Pakistan. If they manage to secure a two-third majority, they would certainly seek to impeach Pervez Musharraf.

Former PM Nawaz Sharif has made it clear that his first priority would be to restore the dignity of the Judiciary. The Judges, who were sacked by Musharraf during the emergency, are most likely to be reinstated. They might also give a final verdict on the validity of Musharraf's Presidency. The current circumstances pushed Musharraf into a corner. His opponents have already urged him to resign. It would be interesting to see what Musharra will do to survive the worst criris of his life.