Naveed Ahmad Khan
Pakistan is a developing country and it is politically unstable .Democratic governments have always failed to complete their tenure which eventually results in economic instability .
In 2022, political crises erupted in Pakistan when the opposition parties united and submitted a no-confidence motion against Imran Khan’s government in the National Assembly. This resulted in a series of political crises across the country, both nationally and provincially. Pakistan is facing numerous sources of internal and external conflicts, including extremism and intolerance towards diversity and dissent, fueled by a narrow view of Pakistan’s national identity.
This is threatening the country’s social cohesion and stability.
While the incumbent government did not comply with Khan’s demand for early elections, country-wide elections were constitutionally mandated to be held by October this year but it could not happen due to which the country is currently suffering from severe financial crisis and the economic situation has deteriorated so much.
These crises pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s social cohesion and stability and must be addressed through concerted efforts by all stakeholdersAt this time only timely elections can lead the country’s economic situation to improvement.
Political crises in Pakistan continuously affect governance, economic growth, and social harmony. Addressing these crises is crucial for sustainable development and regional peace. Current caretaker government has limited to no powers in terms of governance reforms however the supreme court of Pakistan has once again intervened after which the President of Pakistan and Election Commission of Pakistan announced the date for general elections on 8th of February 2023.
The popularity of ousted prime minister and chairman Imran Khan is still leaving others behind without any doubt. PMLN chief Nawaz Sharif is back in the game while PTI chairman Imran Khan is behind bars in several cases and looks like the power corridors are not going to open for him in upcoming elections.
Public sentiments are still with PTI and Imran Khan however PMLn doing some crucial joint ventures and other important political forces of different provinces including MQM from Karachi. Pakistan People’s Party who was an ally of PMLn along with other 11 parties during the no confidence movement against Imran Khan, has now given the nod to shake hands with Imran khan for seat adjustments in Punjab province and other regions also.
The IMF is in talks with Pakistan for the next tranche but political instability is a major hurdle in winning the confidence of international donors and international financial institutions to support Pakistan’s economy.
It looks like the caretaker government will be able to conduct general elections on the given date and likely a democratic government will be in place which is definitely in favor of Pakistan but delay in elections cannot be overruled due to the law and order situation of the country.
The Opinion maker is Editor in Daily The Spokesman and reached on @naveedahmadkh75
