In spite of the latest meeting, which has been highlighted on social media, Imran Khan will not receive what he is frustratingly seeking.
In spite of the latest meeting, which has been highlighted on social media, Imran Khan will not receive what he is frustratingly seeking.
Even though the Shehbaz Sharif government has failed to deliver and disappointed many, including members of his party, rushing into elections so soon as sought by Imran Khan would be disastrous for the country’s economy.
Discussions in the background have revealed President Dr. Arif Alvi now understands the significance of having the country’s political leaders gather together to address the state of the economy and upcoming elections. The biggest obstacle, though, is getting Imran Khan to meet with the political establishment.
Dr. Alvi does not have the backing of enough PTI members to convince Imran Khan to negotiate with the government on the economy. Khan now claims that a new election is the only way to ensure political stability, which in turn will bring about economic stability. Others do not share his opinion.
Since his removal from office, Imran Khan has focused on pressuring the military establishment to remove the ruling coalition and organise early elections so that he can return to power. Early elections seemed likely in the first weeks of the current government, and the powers that be were enthusiastic about the idea. However, Khan’s aggressive policies and the PTI’s social media’s famed campaigns proved counterproductive and destructive.
Khan, however, is oblivious to the fact that despite his fame, he has lost the respect of those who truly count. Khan is now a very volatile individual due to his rage and frustration. According to this logic, the Shaukat Tareen incident constitutes a case of “high treason,” while Shehbaz Gill’s comments represent a new low. Khan’s foolish comment has further inflamed the situation by politicising the selection of the next army chief.
Given this context, Imran Khan has extended an invitation to the establishment to assist him in toppling the current government and ushering in new elections in a matter of months. A source claims that the establishment should learn their lesson from the Imran Khan “project” and remain out of politics in order to avoid making the same mistakes twice. Imran wants to make the same mistakes again, and this time the establishment won’t stand for it.
An important leadership shift is projected to take place in November, however “neutrality” as a policy will likely persist. Without the backing of the establishment, Imran Khan is already hinting at using political power to topple the Shehbaz Sharif government. Yet it is unclear whether he can actually topple the administration with only street force and public pressure.
The PMLN, meanwhile, is anticipating a shift in power in Punjab. A source has speculated that although Pervez Elahi could remain as Chief Minister, the PTI’s backing could be replaced by that of the PMLN. Interestingly, the PMLN itself seems to be fractured. The faction led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has good relations with the government, although Nawaz Sharif, Ishaq Dar, Maryam, and their “trusted” party members have complained about unfair treatment.
While several political factions pursue their political agendas, the state of the country’s economy is cause for serious concern. It is unclear to outsiders how or who can bring lawmakers together to discuss the economy and the upcoming elections.
Mahnur is MS(development Studies)Student at NUST University, completed BS Hons in Eng Literature. Content Writer, Policy analyst, Climate Change specialist, Teacher, HR Recruiter.
