Pakistan's newly formed parliament has elected Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister for a second term, defeating a rival supported by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The decision comes after an inconclusive general election marked by allegations of intimidation and vote-rigging.

"Mr Sharif's PML-N party came second in the poll. Independent candidates backed by Mr Khan's PTI won the most seats but failed to get a majority," reports BBC.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced on Sunday that Mr Sharif secured 201 parliamentary votes, surpassing the 169 needed for election.

His rival Omar Ayub, supported by Mr Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, won 92 votes.

In his victory speech, Mr Sharif emphasized the need for a coalition government, given the absence of a clear parliamentary majority.

Following last month's election, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) - traditionally rival parties - formed a coalition. In 2022, they joined forces to oust Imran Khan as prime minister and install Mr Sharif as his successor.

Imran Khan, barred from standing in the election, faces over 150 criminal and civil charges, which he denies. His PTI candidates ran as independents, securing more seats than any other party.

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