: Pakistan likely moving towards snap poll #IndiaNEWS #Other News Islamabad, July 29 (IANS) Pakistan may be hurtling towards a snap poll later this year, despite denials by the ruling alliance that

Pakistan likely moving towards snap poll #IndiaNEWS #Other News
Islamabad, July 29 (IANS) Pakistan may be hurtling towards a snap poll later this year, despite denials by the ruling alliance that is increasingly unsure of support from the powerful army and finds its key actions negated by the judiciary.
Although no panacea, early polls appear to be the only, but also difficult, way to resolve the countrys political mess that has been exacerbating its unprecedented economic crisis. Also, the decision to advance the elections, due July 2023, may send the country in a tailspin.
The ball has landed in the militarys court, but it is still groping for a way out after working from behind for the exit, in collusion with the top judiciary, of the very governments it had helped install since 2016. In the process, Pakistan analysts say, it has invited unprecedented criticism in public that could compare with 1971, when the country was dismembered.
Confused, even contradictory, but discernible, signals emanated on July 28, 2022. On the economic front, the Pakistani rupee (PKR) continued to fall at 240 for a US dollar. More levies were indicated on fuel that is scarce but is driving the economy.
Neither the urgently-sought bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), nor any substantial aid from friends and allies, are forthcoming.
On the political front, the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) is in a disarray after a Supreme Court verdict removed its government in Punjab, virtually handing back the populous province to ousted premier Imran Khan. His Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is also governing the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and shares power in Balochistan. Imran has been demanding early elections and has gained immense political leverage since his government was voted out in April.
His accusations that those who ousted him from power in April are corrupt and that it was part of an international conspiracy, pointing fingers at the US, appear to have worked on the public mind. Anti-American, anti-West sentiments sell in Pakistan. They go with the perception that a section of the top army leadership prefers him to other power contenders.
Significantly, the idea for a snap poll found support from Imrans bete noire, Nawaz Sharif, the three-time premier who lives in exile in London, according to a report in The News (July 28, 2022). But the PDM considered it on July 28, and rejected it. It does not want to be seen as conceding to Imrans demand.
However, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah ‘urged, media reports said, Imran to agree to dissolve the Punjab and KPK provincial assemblies as a political bargain that could prompt the whole of Pakistan to opt for elections at federal and provincial levels.

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