Pakistan’s traditional political power-brokers have unveiled a new coalition government, breaking a two-week impasse following elections, but the incoming administration will be quickly tested by the country’s dire economic circumstances.
The Pakistan Muslim League-N of three-time former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and the Pakistan People’s party, led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, announced late on Tuesday they had agreed to form a government.
The parties, which have historically dominated Pakistan’s politics, came second and third in the February 8 elections, when independent candidates loyal to imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan shocked observers by winning the most seats despite suffering a military crackdown.