In a press conference after meeting Imran at Adiala Jail, Zafar was quoted as saying by Dawn News: “Imran has told party leader to begin discussions on the formation of government, appointment of chief minister, prime minister and National Assembly speaker.”

“He has also told us about the parties with which the PTI will form alliances and the details will come forth soon before the nation,” he said.

Pakistan voted to elect the new government on February 8.

No party could reach the majority needed to form the government.

The Independent candidates have clinched several seats.

Independent candidates

Speaking on Independent candidates, former PM Shehbaz Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn News: "If they call themselves PTI-sponsored or non-PTI-sponsored — if they can form a government then they should. The president will not give them an invitation.”

“If they can show the majority [in the Assembly] then we will gladly sit in the opposition benches and play the constitutional role. If they cannot make a government, then obviously other political parties will make a decision with consensus and field a candidate. This is the constitutional way […] we need to move forward like this and finalise the upcoming phase," he said.