What we know about Pakistan’s politics is that it has had long periods of military dictatorship, interspersed with periods of democracy where the military still continues to call the shots. The tenure of Imran Khan as Prime Minister has also been known to be propped up by the military. He has faced and survived a no-confidence motion and will be fighting to retain his place as Pakistan’s leader even though there is now a caretaker PM appointed. This is what happened:
A no-confidence motion was moved against Imran Khan and his government. However, this was declared unconstitutional by the Deputy Speaker and the motion failed
The President of Pakistan dissolved the assembly on the advice of the PM. Supporters of Imran Khan such as former cricket colleague Waqar Younis saw this as a masterstroke.
As is often the case in matters such as these, those facing the no-confidence motion have said that this was a case of a foreign conspiracy trying to destroy democracy in Pakistan. Khan has repeatedly spoken about a ‘threat letter’ from a foreign country as ‘proof’ of said conspiracy.
Imran Khan surviving the no-confidence motion was a surprise. Most expected this to be the end for him.
The action of the speaker turning down the motion was unexpected and Khan survived to fight another day.
The motion of no confidence was blocked by the deputy speaker and member of Khan’s party the PakistanTehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
Politics in Pakistan is in turmoil right now – some seem to be enjoying it.
Qasim Suri Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan is being hailed as some sort of hero.
Khan was being accused of economic mismanagement and foreign affairs bungling which is why the opposition sought to oust him and his government.
The opposition had seen its chance when several of PTI’s allies and members had switched sides.
The Pakistan Democratic Movement has been thwarted in its attempts.
There are many who seem to believe the ‘foreign hand’ theory and have been expressing support for Khan.
They feel that Imran Khan has managed to outsmart his political opponents.
And stood his ground
Many feel that the opposition is corrupt and that they will stop at nothing to topple Khan, including conspiring with foreign forces.
Some were not
Given the political turmoil of the recent past, people are afraid that the future is uncertain and even more turbulent. Caretaker PM has been appointed and the Election Commission has said elections are not possible for the next 6 months.
There is also the view in Pakistan that Imran Khan’s actions have undermined democracy in the country. They place little to no credence on the ‘Lettergate’ incident; the supposed threat letter that is supposed to prove the foreign interference conspiracy theory. Right now, the army has stepped back from the political situation and is letting the parties slug it out on their own. India will be watching keenly to see what transpires in Pakistan politically in times to come.
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