Imran Khan defeats Shahbaz Sharif to become Pakistan's new Prime Minister

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan wished all “Hindu citizens” on the occasion of Diwali. “Prime Minister Imran Khan wishes a happy Diwali to all Hindu citizens,” tweeted Prime Minister’s Office in Pakistan.

Cricketer turned politician Imran Khan today defeated Shahbaz Sharif in a one sided contest to become Pakistan's next prime minister after the grand opposition alliance fell apart over the PML-N chief's nomination for the top post.

The election in the 15th National Assembly became just a formality after the Pakistan Peoples Party led by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari with 54 seats abstained from voting.

Khan, 65, the chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), secured 176 votes while his only rival and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Sharif got 96 votes.

Khan will take the oath tomorrow. A total of 172 votes in the 342-member lower house of Parliament are needed to form a government.