Two political parties in Pakistan have reached a formal agreement to form a new government following an election mired in controversy.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) will be backed by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in a new administration, they jointly announced.

The agreement means former Prime Minister and President of PMLN Shahbaz Sharif is on course to become prime minister for a second time with the backing of the junior coalition partner, while Asif Ali Zardari of the PPP will be the coalition’s candidate to become president – an office he has previously held.

Both parties won fewer seats than candidates loyal to jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan on 8 February.

Mr Khan’s movement alleges the vote was rigged to keep his supporters out of power.

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