During the visit, Prime Minister Sharif and Cabinet members engaged in discussions with military leadership on matters of national security, regional stability and military preparedness.

Both departed from the country in 2018 after being implicated in corruption cases, leading to their declaration as proclaimed offenders for evading investigation and court proceedings, resulting in the issuance of arrest warrants against them. 

“Punjab Governor Balighur Rahman has called the Punjab Assembly session for Friday, in which newly elected members of the assembly will swear in and formation of the new government will begin,” a spokesperson for the Governor's House stated on Thursday. 

The source said that since Shehbaz Sharif, 72, was a favourite of the military, Nawaz Sharif had to be sidelined by one excuse or another at the end of the day.

"If the situation remains unchanged, the country will see the PML-N's prime minister and the PPP's president," The News International reported on Wednesday, quoting sources amid talks of a quid pro quo arrangement between the PML-N and PPP.

Votes are still being counted after the general election which was marred by allegations of rigging, sporadic violence and a countrywide mobile phone shutdown.

Both Khan and his primary adversary, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, assert victory, intensifying the power struggle

Khanna, a Democrat lawmaker, alleged that the Pakistani military is supporting the current prime minister even though the people have voted for Imran Khan. He also urged the Biden administration not to recognize an illegitimate government in Pakistan.

Despite hopes for a swift outcome following Thursday's general elections, delays in announcing results have sparked concerns of potential vote rigging.

Speaking at the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) central secretariat, Sharif stressed the importance of all institutions working together to uplift Pakistan from its current difficulties.

Votes are still being counted in Pakistan after Thursday's general election which was marred by allegations of rigging, sporadic violence and a countrywide mobile phone shutdown.

The results of individual polling stations have started to pour in from across the country after the mandatory one hour restriction elapsed. But it may take a couple of hours before the complete result of any constituency is available.