The final results of Pakistan’s elections are out. But there’s still no winner. Allies of imprisoned ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan won the most number of seats in the National Assembly, or lower house of parliament, in last Thursday’s controversial vote. It was a shock outcome given the problems his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party (PTI) faced — … Read more
Pakistan’s 127 million voters get to elect a new parliament on Thursday. The elections are the twelfth in the country’s 76-year history, which has been marred by economic crises, military takeovers and martial law, militancy, political upheavals, and wars with India. Forty-four political parties are vying for a share of the 266 seats that are … Read more
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife were sentenced on Wednesday to 14 years in prison each for corruption, his lawyer and prison officials said, a day after another special court convicted Khan of leaking state secrets and gave him a 10-year prison sentence. The latest conviction and sentencing were Khan’s third since … Read more
On February 8, Pakistanis will vote in elections to the national and provincial assemblies. Rather than an organic and genuine electoral process, the general election resembles a selection of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to head a weak, coalition government. A week ahead of the general elections, the political atmosphere in Pakistan is dull and … Read more
In the complex tapestry of Pakistan’s political landscape, the country stands at a critical juncture with the approach of the general elections, scheduled for February 8. This period is not just a test of the democratic process but also a reflection of the complex interplay of power, influence, and aspirations that characterize Pakistani politics. At … Read more
The Supreme Court of Pakistan’s recent ruling depriving the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) of the “bat” symbol has dealt a significant blow to former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party ahead of the February 8 elections. The bat was a potent symbol for the PTI, which helped the party connect with its leader, Khan, who as captain … Read more
Islamist parties in Pakistan are gearing up for the upcoming elections that are scheduled to take place on February 8. With more than 20 registered Islamist parties, including Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), Jamat-e-Islami (JI), and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam – Fazl (JUI-F), actively participating in the campaign trail, the political landscape is witnessing intense activity. These parties are … Read more
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif leaves a court in Lahore, Pakistan, on Oct. 8, 2018. Credit: AP Photo/K.M. Chaudary, File Advertisement The return of three-time former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif to Pakistan later this month after four years of self-imposed exile in London raises intriguing questions about the … Read more
Pakistan’s President Arif Alvi, center, with then Prime Minister Imran Khan, third left, and top military officials at a military parade to mark Pakistan National Day in Islamabad, Pakistan, Mar. 23, 2022. Credit: AP Photo/ Anjum Naveed Advertisement In an unexpected turn of events, President Arif Alvi has unilaterally proposed that the Pakistani Election Commission … Read more
In this photo released by Pakistan’s President Office, President Arif Alvi, right, administrates the oath of office to Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as caretaker prime minister during a ceremony in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, August 14, 2023. Credit: Pakistan President Office vis AP Advertisement The recent appointment of Senator Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar as the caretaker prime minister of Pakistan … Read more