Khan still has genuine and widespread support in Pakistan, said a policy commentator from Islam interviewed by . Right now, the country’s biggest challenge is the downturn in the economy.
Cricket star Imran Khan was elected to the leadership of Pakistan in 2018 with the highest hopes.
The “Captain”, who loves fast cars and enjoys socializing, was welcomed to the post of Prime Minister of the world’s second largest Muslim state.
Khan was hoped to bring in a new political culture and lead Pakistan out of the shadow of long-term military rule. The aim was to create an Islamic welfare state, repair the situation of the poorest and improve health services, writes for the BBC (you switch to another service).
Pakistani political scientists say Khan, despite his civilian status, is still a product of an influential military. He could not break the bond and the same might oust him.
Khan accuses the United States of conspiracy
The cricket star has defended his actions during the prime minister term with the tenacity of a top athlete. He has accused the United States of interfering in Pakistani politics. No evidence of foreign interference has been provided.
Well-known political commentator and journalist Zafar Sheikh explains to in a telephone interview that Khan feels he has been the victim of an American conspiracy.
– According to Khan, US money and forces have been used against him, Sheikh says.
As proof of U.S. intrigue in Pakistan, an undisclosed diplomatic message is being discussed.
– According to the letter, the United States is demanding a change of policy direction, or Khan will be moved aside, explains Zafar Sheikh.
Journalist Zafar Sheikh says the letter is Khan’s chip and life insurance that he may in due course publish and try to turn voters to in the next election.
The United States hopes that the exchange rate will be corrected in relations with neighboring countries and Russia, among other things.
Khan has aroused outrage, among other things, by keeping in touch with the president Vladimir Putin. The prime minister visited Moscow just before Russia invaded Ukraine. Pakistan also refused to condemn Russia’s attack on the UN Security Council.
The Taliban regime has also received understanding from the Prime Minister; some of the fighters are moving openly between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
In domestic politics, the “Captain” has managed to keep his election promises. Public funds have been distributed to the provinces. His PTI party has a strong support base in, among others, Punjab, which is traditionally one of Khan’s main challengers, members of the Muslim Union, which is influential in Pakistan’s politics. Nawazin and Shehbaz Sharifinsupport area.
Punjab has long been a political problem for Khan.
In his suite, he accuses the regional council of mafia-like grips.
Political support for Khan remains strong and even growing. Large speeches in Peshawar and Karachi mobilized a record number of people. There were more than 10 million people on the streets of Pakistan in spectacular demonstrations.
– Support is getting stronger day by day. With it, Khan may even demand early elections, says journalist Zafar Sheikh.
The price of gasoline soon doubled
Pakistan has a debt program of just under $ 6 billion under the auspices of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The inflation rate is sharp, at 12.7 per cent. Rising price pressures and an economic downturn are also a challenge for Pakistan’s future leaders.
The government has tried to curb public dissatisfaction by, among other things, paying subsidies for fuel. In Pakistan, subsidies are estimated to be insufficient in the long run and prices need to be raised to stabilize the economy.
Indeed, voters will decide in the next election how strong economic stimulus drugs they are willing to swallow. Among other things, the price of diesel is expected to rise from the current price of less than one euro per liter to about 1.30 euros per liter as a result of tax increases and higher oil prices.
Zafar Sheikh sees maintaining stability as an even greater challenge than the economy.
– Unrest can lead to anarchy, we do not want unrest here like Sri Lanka.
In Sri Lanka, a state of emergency was declared in early April due to protests by fuel and food prices.
Pakistan’s parliamentary elections are scheduled for next year, early elections even before the end of the year.