Pakistan’s MPs elect Khan as new PM

Lawmakers in Pakistan’s lower house of parliament elected former cricket legend Imran Khan as the country’s new prime minister on Friday. The election paves the way for him to form a coalition government. Khan received 176 votes in the 342-seat National Assembly, Reuters reported, citing Asad Qaiser, the speaker of the parliament. Rival candidate, Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN), garnered 96 votes. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party swept to power in the July 25 election. However, the party will need support from independents and smaller parties to form a majority government.