The coalition government should brace itself as defiant PTI chairman Imran Khan has announced a long march on Islamabad on May 25 to press for fresh elections. Authorities are still undecided whether to use force to prevent the sit-in or allow them peacefully irrespective of the consequences.
Ever since he was ousted by an alliance of all major political parties, the former prime minister has been mobilizing for a grand show of strength in the federal capital. He said his party supporters will remain until parliament is dissolved and new elections are called. Given the large crowds that have been coming to his rallies, the PTI will once display its strength to fulfill their demands.
There have already been reports that the coalition government was faltering and will attempt to disrupt the long march. The government is not prepared and might take even-handed measures such as the arrest or detention of party leaders and workers to stop them. In case authorities resort to such action, we may witness even further chaos within the country.
The political crisis, which emerged after Imran Khan was dismissed in a dramatic no-confidence motion, has been worsening. For the allied coalition parties, it is a bizarre situation as they have blame Imran Khan for creating the crisis and even benefiting from it. They claim the government can’t be blackmailed or pressurized to hold elections and should complete its tenure.
The prerogative on holding the next elections lies with the government but it may be compelled to think otherwise. The government is still undecided on taking tough economic decisions and talks with the IMF seems to be faltering. This is the biggest mine trap that the government claims Imran left for them – raise the price of petrol and face the political cost, or retain prices and see the economic slump.
Islamabad has seen several long marches and rallies but this could be different, given that Imran remains a popular figure and a huge crowd puller. It needs to be seen if the government will accede to his demand on holding fresh elections. This may be necessary to end the crisis but still Imran would gain the credit for it. The political temperatures are set to rise even further as we are once again at a crossroads.
