Pakistan's newly formed parliament has elected Shehbaz Sharif as prime minister for a second term.
He defeated a rival supported by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The move comes three weeks after an inconclusive general election that was marred 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.
On Sunday, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced that Mr Sharif had secured 201 parliamentary votes. He needed 169 to be elected prime minister.
His rival Omar Ayub, who was supported by Mr Khan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, won 92 votes.
![Supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan hold placards as they protest before the start election of Speaker](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/CFBE/production/_132828135_mediaitem132828134.jpg)
EPA
In his victory speech, Mr Sharif said that as no side had a clear parliamentary majority, it was "the democratic way" that "like-minded parties may form a coalition government".
Following last month's election, the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) - headed by Nawaz Sharif, a former prime minister who is Shehbaz Sharif's brother - reached a coalition deal with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP).
In 2022 the two parties, which have traditionally been rivals, joined forces to oust Imran Khan as prime minister and install Mr Sharif as his successor.
After the assembly was dissolved last August, Pakistan was led by a caretaker government.
![Imran Khan](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/12C57/production/_132778867_gettyimages-1258394494.jpg)
GETTY IMAGES
Imran Khan was jailed in the run-up to the 6 February election and barred from standing.
He faces more than 150 criminal and civil charges - all of which he denies - as the authorities launched a crackdown on his party.
PTI candidates were forced to run as independents but won more seats than any other party.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours