Pakistan has been facing numerous issues since PTI chief was removed as prime minister last year, Bloomberg reports
In recent months, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been pushing for snap polls, which has led to political turmoil in the country. Khan, who came to power in 2018, has faced increasing criticism from opposition parties and the public over his handling of the economy and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Khan’s push for early elections is seen as an attempt to shore up his position and regain public support. However, his opponents accuse him of trying to manipulate the election process and cling to power.
The political turmoil began in November 2020, when opposition parties formed an alliance called the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to demand Khan’s resignation. The PDM staged a series of protests and rallies, which were met with a heavy-handed response from the government.
In January 2021, Khan dissolved the National Assembly and called for new elections to be held in June. However, the opposition rejected the move, arguing that the elections should be held in 2023 as scheduled.
The opposition also accused Khan of trying to rig the elections by appointing loyalists to key positions, including the head of the election commission. They also alleged that the government was using state resources to bribe voters and intimidate opposition candidates.
The situation came to a head in March 2021, when the government tried to pass a controversial bill in the Senate that would have given more power to the ruling party. The opposition staged a walkout in protest, and the bill was eventually withdrawn.
In response, Khan called for a vote of confidence in the National Assembly, which he won with a slim majority. However, the opposition accused him of using underhanded tactics to secure the vote, including buying off opposition lawmakers.
The political turmoil has had a negative impact on Pakistan’s economy, with the country facing high inflation, a weakening currency, and a widening current account deficit. It has also led to a deterioration in relations between the government and opposition, with little room for compromise or cooperation.
As Pakistan heads towards the next general elections, the political situation remains uncertain. Khan’s push for snap polls has only added to the instability and uncertainty in the country, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to retain power or if the opposition will be able to mount a successful challenge.
