Amidst widespread violence and a lack of trust, voting has concluded for Pakistan’s National Assembly and four provincial assemblies. Internet services were suspended nationwide during the elections, raising concerns about the credibility of the process. The prevailing atmosphere suggests that Nawaz Sharif’s party, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), may secure the top spot, but they might need the support of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party to attain a majority. Imran Khan’s removal from power and the exclusion of his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, from the elections indicate a concerted effort to keep them out of the political landscape. There is a growing possibility that Nawaz Sharif could become Pakistan’s Prime Minister for the fourth time, facing minimal obstacles after the withdrawal of charges against him. The Election Commission has barred Imran Khan’s party from participating, leading to independent candidates running on their behalf. The attempts to sideline Imran Khan politically, through both legal and military means, underscore the significant role played by both parties in keeping him and his party out of the elections. The outcome of this election is seen as an effort to remove Imran Khan from Pakistani politics altogether.
The prevailing narrative suggests that Nawaz Sharif’s return from exile in London has been orchestrated to make him Prime Minister once again, as evident from the withdrawal of all charges against him. The Election Commission’s restrictions on the use of Imran Khan’s election symbol and preventing his party from contesting indicate a challenging path for his supporters. The political maneuvering against Imran Khan, both politically and through the judiciary and military, hints at a likely lack of significant victories for his supporters. The key aim of this election appears to be removing Imran Khan from Pakistan’s political scene. It highlights the necessity for Pakistan’s democratic functioning to have trust in the Pakistani military. The challenges faced by Imran Khan and ongoing developments reinforce the notion that his clash with the military has played a crucial role. Rumors suggest that Nawaz Sharif’s recall from London exile is aimed at making him the Prime Minister again, requiring the backing of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s party. Despite skepticism, Nawaz Sharif seems well-positioned, with cleared charges and restrictions on Imran Khan’s party.
The challenges posed by strained relations with neighboring countries and economic woes are significant. Nawaz Sharif, with his experience as a three-time Prime Minister, may review Pakistan’s role in the region and work towards substantial improvements. Relations with key neighbors—India, Iran, and Afghanistan—are currently strained, posing threats to regional peace and security. Nawaz Sharif faces a substantial challenge in normalizing relations with these countries. The economic crisis is Pakistan’s most pressing issue currently, requiring international assistance for recovery. Failure to address economic issues may pose difficulties for the next government to stay in power. Despite Nawaz Sharif’s shortcomings, he remains an experienced politician, and the hope is that the upcoming government will assess its role critically and strive for tangible improvements.
However, it is essential to note that Pakistan’s historical power structure, with the military holding a dominant position, is unlikely to witness significant changes through this election. The removal of Imran Khan from power and the formation of a government led by Nawaz Sharif’s brother, Shahbaz Sharif, underlines the significant role played by the Pakistani military. Both Imran Khan and analysts acknowledge the influential role of the military. The frequent international trips by the military chief for economic aid highlight their active involvement. The manner in which this election has been conducted raises questions about the restoration of democracy in Pakistan. It appears more as a façade to maintain the appearance of democracy rather than a genuine effort to uphold democratic principles. This election will likely be remembered as a tragedy for Pakistan, where Imran Khan was being brought to power when Nawaz Sharif had to leave the country. The global community will keenly observe the new government’s actions, expecting positive engagement, especially considering the economic challenges and the need for international support. Nawaz Sharif will strive to avoid domestic and international missteps, learning from past errors that contributed to Imran Khan’s significant electoral success.