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 | 18 February 2008 |
|---|---|
| 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 end of emergency rule, Benazir Bhutto’s assassination in December 2007 and a delay from the original polling date.
Main competitors
PPP, PML-N, PML-Q, MQM and several regional parties were major participants; PTI and some others boycotted.
What happened?
PPP became the largest party in the National Assembly without an outright majority.
Government formation and aftermath
Yousaf Raza Gilani became prime minister. The elected period later produced the Eighteenth Amendment, the Seventh NFC Award and the 2013 civilian transfer of power.
Why this election matters
The election marked a return to parliamentary civilian rule and began a major phase of constitutional rebalancing toward Parliament and the provinces.
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.
