AR Bhat
Last two months have seen lots of political drama in Pakistan which ultimately came to some momentary halt with installation of Shehbaz Sharif as its 23rd Prime Minister on 11 April. He is younger brother of ex – PM Nawaz Sharif and has his ancestral roots in J&K. His mother’s family has its roots in Pulwama while father’s family has roots in Anantnag. Their family migrated to Jati Umra village in Amritsar and then to Lahore at the time of partition. Mr. Shehbaz Sharif is a businessman cum politician who owns large farm houses and a multimillion-dollar conglomerate named “Ittefaq Group”. He has served three terms as Chief Minister of Punjab and has served as Leader of opposition in the Pakistan Parliament since August 2018. Recently, he was elected as the new PM of Pakistan when the opposition alliance moved a no confidence motion against Imran Khan. He got support of 174 members and was elected unopposed as the new PM.
It is important to know that Shehbaz Sharif has only 84 of his own party members i.e. PML-N in his ruling coalition. So he will have to be careful from his own allies, his opponents and the army who can change the equation at any time. It may be recalled that the opposition had alleged of rigging in the elections and Imran Khan being selected to be put as PM by Pak Army. His appointment as Pak PM was supported by China which has a great economic-military-political interest in Pakistan. It was a political need of China to put Imran as Pak PM since he was very vocal about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Being installed as Prime Minister put a stop to anti-China stance of Mr. Niazi. He continued for about three and half years with their Army’s support and this time saw Pak moving to its worst condition of economic disability. As a nation; Pakistan is fully debt trapped by China and has very bare minimum foreign exchange reserve. The country is facing crucial situation of uncontrolled inflation, unemployment, medical care and large-scale sectarian violence. Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which is a faction of Pak founded Taliban and Al- Qaeda has controlled sizeable part of Waziristan whereas Baloch revolutionary fighters are bleeding the Pak Army in the South-West. PPP is being accused of having racist and biased political approach in the province of Sindh. Imran khan has been shouting very clearly that he was removed from the post due to US behest. Thus, it is clearly evident that the way ahead is a very bumpy ride for Mr Shehbaz Sharif and he will have to be on the lookout at all the times.
The role played by Pak Army behind the curtains cannot be ignored. They are the people calling the shots in national politics of Pakistan. When the domestic political scene became murky and Imran tried to have his independent way against the will of COAS Gen Bajwa; entire political drama was arranged by Pak Army which unfolded in last two months leading to ouster of Imran Khan from the office of PM. Thus, another chapter of a puppet government in the hands of Pak Army has been added in the history of Pakistan. If we analyse the political activities going on in the neighboring country since a couple of days then we will realise that grounds are being prepared to send the ousted PM behind the bar. Charges are being framed, media is busy making an environment of allegations and allies are changing sides. It will not be a matter of surprise if we find one fine morning Mr Niazi behind the bar. Pak has a similar precedence in the past. Overall, there is an environment of uncertainly and political instability in Pakistan. It needs to be looked upon with due caution. It the past there have been instances of increase in cross border firing and cross border terrorism when similar situations prevailed earlier. So, let us be cautious and watchful.
Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, viewpoints and editorial policies of Daily Gadyal
