Pakistan held a pivotal general election amidst ongoing economic challenges and the ongoing struggle against militant violence within a politically divided landscape. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif claimed victory on Friday, stating that his party had secured the most seats and expressing intentions to engage with other parties to establish a coalition government. Despite an unusual delay in the counting process, final results remained unclear. However, independents, many supported by the PTI, constituted the largest contingent with 92 out of 225 seats counted by 1600 GMT, surpassing expectations and catching many off guard.