Former PM Imran Khan’s high-stakes election gamble adding to Pakistan’s instability, analysts say

Polls are needed after Khan’s PTI party dissolved two of four provincial assemblies and following mass opposition resignations from the National Assembly

Pakistan now faces the improbable prospect of six months of staggered elections in the midst of an economic crisis and resurgent terrorist attacks

Reading Time:4 minutes

Pakistan’s former prime minister Imran Khan. Photo: AFP/File

Published: 7:15pm, 18 Jan 2023Updated: 7:33pm, 18 Jan 2023

Already facing an economic crisis and a resurgence in terrorist attacks from Taliban insurgents, Pakistan is now facing the unenviable prospect of holding six months of staggered elections, which will only increase the political instability in the country and unnerve creditors, analysts said.

The polls are needed following the dissolution of two of the country’s four provincial assemblies and mass opposition resignations from the National Assembly.

Ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its allies pulled the plug on its governments in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provinces on Saturday and Tuesday respectively, constitutionally necessitating provincial assembly polls to be held there by late April.

The moves are part of Khan’s plan to force a snap general election ahead of schedule in October.

The PTI and its allies have boycotted the National Assembly since their administration lost a vote of no confidence in April.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x