Pakistan is electing a new parliament. Here are the key players in Thursday’s vote

By RIAZAT BUTT
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan is electing a new parliament on Thursday. Forty-four political parties are vying for a share of the 266 seats up for grabs in the National Assembly, or the lower house of parliament. An additional 70 seats are reserved for women and minorities. But in a country where civilian governments have been upended and where the army has ruled for half of Pakistan’s 76 years of independence, it is often the political dynasties and powerful army chiefs that have called the shots. Two former prime ministers are key players in the vote, and a third premier remains a potent political force even though he is in prison and barred from running.