Pakistan military calls for unity as former prime ministers claim victory in the elections.

Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, has called for an end to "anarchy and polarization" following an unexpected election outcome, in which two former prime ministers have claimed victory. Independent candidates associated with incarcerated former prime minister Imran Khan have secured the majority of seats. However, Nawaz Sharif, another ex-prime minister believed to have the support of the army, is calling for other parties to join him in a coalition. Western criticism of the election process has been dismissed by officials. Gen Munir has urged all political parties to display maturity and unity, stating that the politics of polarization are unsuitable for a progressive nation of 250 million people. Both Khan and Sharif assert that they have won, with some National Assembly seats yet to be determined in Balochistan province. The election has also seen a significant number of independent candidates, mostly backed by Khan's party, emerge victorious. Sharif's PML-N party won 71 seats, the PPP gained 53, and the remaining seats were secured by smaller parties and independent candidates. PML-N is currently in talks with other groups to form a unity government. The US, UK, and EU have raised concerns about the fairness of the election, but Pakistan's foreign ministry has refuted these claims, citing the complexity of the electoral process and the extensive participation of Pakistani voters. Instances of violence and allegations of irregularities in vote counting have also been reported during the election.