In Pakistan, it is widely believed that political instability is once again on the rise. The government led by Shehbaz Sharif appears to be faltering. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), an ally of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), has expressed its willingness to engage with Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
This announcement from the PPP follows a recent statement from President Asif Ali Zardari, who claimed to know the intricacies of forming and toppling governments. PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has stated that if Imran Khan is open to dialogue, they are willing to engage in discussions. Party leader Khurshid Shah confirmed this, noting that Asif Ali Zardari has always preferred to resolve issues through dialogue.
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PPP Supports the PML-N Government
This initiative for talks arose from Imran Khan's strong opposition to the current PML-N government. PPP, in coalition with Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), is currently an ally of the PML-N. Following the election on February 8, an agreement was reached between PPP and PML-N, leading to the formation of a new government under Shehbaz Sharif's leadership.
Since Imran Khan's removal from power through a no-confidence motion in 2022, PTI has been vocal in its criticism of the PPP-PML-N coalition government. PTI has been opposed to engaging with the current government, labeling it the 'Form-47 Government' due to allegations of election tampering and manipulation of vote counts during the February 8 election.
PTI Indicates Willingness for Army Talks
PTI has also accused the Pakistan Army of playing a role in toppling Imran Khan's government, allegedly in collaboration with the United States. However, it is now reported that PTI is open to talks with the Army. For instance, in April, PTI leader Shehryar Afridi indicated potential dialogue with the Army Chief Asim Munir and the Director-General of ISI.
Additionally, PTI Secretary Omar Ayub mentioned that Imran Khan had assigned some critical tasks to former President Arif Alvi. Last month, Party President Gohar Khan clarified that Imran Khan had agreed to engage in discussions with the government.
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Is a Power Shift Imminent in Pakistan?
Pakistan, grappling with an economic crisis, urgently needs funds from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF has demanded adherence to certain rules and policy changes, leading to heated discussions about tax imposition. The local populace has shown resistance to these measures. President Asif Ali Zardari has also criticized the PML-N for its poor management of the financial crisis.
In an interview earlier this month, President Zardari stated, "We understand how governments are formed and toppled... we will not abandon our people." He assured that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would take decisive action. If political instability escalates, a power shift in Pakistan cannot be ruled out.
