Editorial note: Reviewed 22 July 2026. This article distinguishes official results from later political and legal developments. Check ECP records for final constituency tables and dated party position.
At a glance
| Polling date | 3 February 1997 |
|---|---|
| System | Direct election from territorial constituencies; the wider legal framework differed by election. |
| Primary source | Election Commission of Pakistan reports and notifications. |
Background
The election followed the dismissal of Benazir Bhutto’s second government.
Main competitors
PML-N and PPP remained the main nationwide competitors, with regional parties influential in several provinces.
What happened?
PML-N won an overwhelming National Assembly majority, while PPP suffered a severe defeat.
Government formation and aftermath
Nawaz Sharif returned as prime minister with the numbers needed for major constitutional legislation. His government ended in the military takeover of October 1999.
Why this election matters
The election shows that a commanding parliamentary majority does not by itself remove conflict among political, judicial, presidential and military institutions.
Questions for further study
- How did the constitutional and electoral rules shape the result?
- Did the votes-to-seats relationship differ across provinces?
- What changed between the official result and the later party position?
- How did this contest affect the next election or constitutional phase?
Sources and further reading
- Election Commission of Pakistan — General Election Reports
- Election Commission of Pakistan — institutional introduction
- Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan — National Assembly
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. If you spot an error, please use our corrections process.
