Late Wednesday, Pakistan’s president dissolved parliament, paving the way for a caretaker administration to usher in elections in which the country’s most popular politician, Imran Khan, has been sidelined.
The country has been in political turmoil since the former international cricket star was deposed in April last year, culminating in his incarceration for graft over the weekend following a months-long crackdown on his party.
According to a statement from President Arif Alvi’s office, he dismissed parliament on the suggestion of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had earlier stated, “This country can’t progress until we have national unity.”
The next temporary prime minister must be named within three days of the dissolution of parliament, and elections must be held within 90 days – but the outgoing government has already warned that they will be postponed until next year.
The unexpected coalition of Pakistan’s normally bickering dynastic parties that came together to depose Khan has garnered little popular support throughout his tenure as the world’s fifth-most populous country.
Despite a recent International Monetary Fund bailout, the economy remains in shambles, with heavy foreign debt, soaring inflation, and widespread unemployment caused by companies idled due to a lack of foreign currency to buy raw supplies.
“Economic decisions are invariably tough and often unpopular, requiring a government with a longer tenure to effectively implement them,” said Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, president of the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency think tank.
“This election holds significance as it will result in a five-year term for a new government, which ideally should be empowered to make essential decisions vital for economic recovery.”
