The caretaker prime minister has stated that free and fair elections can be held even without the presence of PTI chairman Imran Khan and other jailed leaders. The interim government has made repeated claims that it will facilitate holding transparent and impartial polls and will not allow any interference.
It cannot be denied that PTI is currently the largest political party in Pakistan and Imran Khan remains hugely popular despite all that surpassed over the past year. There will be huge doubts about the credibility of the polls if the party is excluded from the electoral process. It is the democratic right of all political parties to fully participate and campaign during the polls and be provided a level-playing field.
Other political parties such have PPP and PML-N are also demanding a level playing field before the polls. The previous PDM government remains unpopular not just due to the unholy nexus to oust Imran Khan but also for unleashing a slew of economic problems during its tenure. The former allies are trading barbs against each other to gain political mileage before the polls.
The PML-N has announced the return of Nawaz Sharif on October 21. However, the return still remains doubtful as the PML-N supremo faces an uncertain future. Shehbaz Sharif stayed in London for over a month but dashed back within a day to deliver an ‘important message’ for his self-exiled brother. Nawaz Sharif’s return is necessary if the PML-N has any chance in the next polls. The PML-N has faced an uphill task to regain its lost glory in Punjab.
The PPP believes that Bilawal Bhutto is set to become the next prime minister. This is far from certain as the PPP is yet to gain a foothold in Punjab. It could at best salvage the Sindh government. The PPP is also demanding a level-playing field knowing its prospects have been diminishing. Many other parties such as the recently formed IPP and Khattak-led PTI-P are also eyeing significant gains.
There is intense speculation about whether the PTI chief will be released before the elections. He could be sentenced and kept behind bars. This will worsen the political and economic crisis. Mushahid Hussain Syed says a ‘mother of all deals’ can be made with the PTI chief. If these rumours are true, we could see him in the political scenario or perhaps returning to power.
