PML(N), PPP get simple majority in Pakistan

Pakistan's two main opposition parties PML(N) and PPP today bagged a simple majority in the Parliamentary elections threatening the eight-year rule of President Pervez Musharraf.

The private Geo TV network said the two parties had so far won 139 seats - more than half of the 272-seat National Assembly.

Elections were held for 269 seats, and with results out for 227, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party had won 77 seats.

Pakistan Muslim League (N) of Nawaz Sharif, who was ousted by Musharraf in a bloodless coup in 1999, won 62 seats.

The ruling PML (Q), Musharraf's main ally, suffered a humiliating defeat with just 34 seats.