MIAN Nawaz Sharif became the prime minister with 244 votes as a result of PMLN`s victory in the May 11 general elections. Opposing candidates Makhdoom Amin Fahim claimed 42 and Javed Hashmi 31 votes. The Jamaat-i-Islami, the Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, the MQM, the Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, the PML-F and independents as well as Fata MNAs also voted for him.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq announced Mr Sharif`s elec-tion as the new prime minister.

Mr Shahbaz Sharif is forming his government in Punjab after a briefinterval for the elections. But his party has formed the federal government after a long period of time. The party has indeed gained popularity in the country. The cycle of alternately giving power to the PPP and the PML-N for brief periods of time began after the dismissal of the Junejo government in 1988. Later, Gen Pervez Musharraf toppled the PML-N government with mala fide intentions. He continued to thrust his rule upon the people for many years. Today that dictator hasmet his fate, and is awaiting court verdicts. He has already met his political death, regardless of whether any deal is made.

The government formed by the PML-N will find no bed of roses; the national kitty is empty and the country nearly bankrupt. The power crisis has not only baffled the people but also the government.

The caretakers could not overcome it. Industry has been destroyed and shifted toother countries because of the power crisis. Unemployment is endemic, and terrorism and street crimehave skyrocketed. Terrorists are in the position of dictating or intimidating the government. As for Mr Nawaz Sharif, he has no Aladdin`s magic lamp to resolve all the problems. And the PML-N has only this five-year term at its disposal; it will get another term only if it is able to provide relief to the people by resolving all issues.

Otherwise, it may face the PPP`s fate. (June 6)• Selected and translated by Intikhab Hanif.