ISLAMABAD: Nawaz Sharif, whose nomination papers for the prime minister's election were submitted today, is set to become prime minister for the third time after his party secured simple majority in the newly-elected National Assembly.

The nomination was submitted by Ishaq Dar, Tariq Fazal, Khawaja Asif and Abdul Qadir Baloch on Sharif's behalf.

Moreover, Amin Fahim and Makhdoom Javed Hashmi, who also submitted their nomination papers are the Pakistan Peoples Party's and the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf's candidates for premiership.

Nomination papers of candidates for the premier's election to be held on June 5 were to be filed by 2pm today.

Moreover, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has decided to extend its unconditional support to Sharif in the premier's election and would not be fielding a candidate in the race.

According to a statement issued by the MQM on Monday, party chief Altaf Hussain endorsed a decision of the coordination committee to give support to Sharif as ‘a goodwill gesture’.

The prime minister's election will come two days after the election of PML-N's Ayaz Sadiq and Murtaza Javed Abbasi to the posts of speaker and deputy speaker of the assembly respectively.