Pakistan’s Election Unrest: Expert Analysis

Amid escalating violence in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming Parliamentary Elections, foreign affairs analyst Sushant Sareen highlights the ongoing attacks, particularly rampant in Balochistan and Pashtun regions. Sareen suggests a possible motive behind these attacks, speculating they might be orchestrated by the Pakistan Army to disrupt elections, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where there’s a potential for a strong showing by Imran Khan’s PTI. Such unrest, Sareen believes, could facilitate the Army’s desired electoral outcomes.

Defense expert Qamar Agha offers a cynical perspective on the electoral process, asserting that the outcome is predetermined, with Nawaz Sharif and Bilawal Bhutto emerging as key contenders. Agha suggests that Sharif, despite past tensions with the military, is now poised for a political comeback, potentially elevating his daughter Maryam to the Prime Minister’s position in a coalition government. However, Agha acknowledges the daunting challenges Pakistan faces, including economic woes and political instability.

Also Read: Pakistan’s General Elections Marred by Allegations of Rigging as Citizens Cast their Votes

Retired Brigadier Anil Gupta echoes concerns about the Pakistan Army’s influence in shaping the electoral landscape. Gupta contends that the military aims to install Nawaz Sharif as Prime Minister, quashing any opposition and even facilitating the participation of terrorist-affiliated entities under pseudonyms. He dismisses the Kashmir issue as a diversionary tactic and predicts a tumultuous election marred by violence and electoral malpractices. Gupta also criticizes the arrest of Imran Khan, branding it as undemocratic and attributing it to Khan’s defiance against military pressure.

As Pakistan grapples with escalating unrest and political maneuvering, the forthcoming elections are fraught with uncertainty and potential for further destabilization.”