Pakistan is gearing up for parliamentary elections on Thursday, as 44 political parties compete for seats in the National Assembly. The country, known for its history of military takeovers and power struggles, is once again witnessing a battle between traditional elites and emerging leaders. Here are the key players in the upcoming elections.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, from the Pakistan Muslim League, is a business tycoon and three-time premier. Despite facing legal cases and prison sentences, Sharif enjoys immense popularity and draws large crowds at party rallies. With his main rival, Imran Khan, currently behind bars, Sharif stands a good chance of securing a fourth term in office.
General Asim Munir, the powerful army chief, may not be on the ballot, but he wields significant influence. As the head of the military, Munir plays a key role in decision-making processes, both nationally and regionally. He has conducted military trials for civilians and cracked down on illegal foreign nationals residing in Pakistan. Munir's uncompromising stance has a profound impact on political stability and regional security.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, rose to power in the 2018 elections on an anti-corruption and anti-establishment agenda. However, his tenure faced criticism for cracking down on opposition figures and for alleged attacks on religious minorities and freedom of speech. Khan's provocative statements on sexual violence and his controversial remarks about the United States further damaged his reputation. Ousted by parliament, Khan now faces numerous legal cases and has been imprisoned since August. Although unable to contest the upcoming elections, his party remains influential with a large grassroots following.
Shehbaz Sharif, the younger brother of Nawaz Sharif and a member of the Pakistan Muslim League, served as the prime minister after Imran Khan's ouster in 2022. His term was marked by natural disasters, economic crises, and controversy. Sharif struggled to manage the devastating floods that claimed thousands of lives and failed to address the country's worst economic crisis. His decision to increase energy tariffs led to price hikes and widespread public dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, if his party wins in the upcoming elections, Sharif is expected to play a prominent role in his brother's cabinet.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari represents the Pakistan People's Party and is the son of the late Benazir Bhutto, the assassinated former prime minister. With the legacy of his mother and grandfather, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the nation's first democratically elected prime minister, Bilawal commands a dedicated following. Although his party's power base is in southern Sindh province, it is unlikely to secure enough votes for Bhutto-Zardari to become the next prime minister. However, his party may join a coalition government led by the Sharif family.
As Pakistan heads towards its parliamentary elections, the current political landscape reflects a competition between established figures and emerging leaders. With the potential for shifts in power, the outcome of these elections will undoubtedly shape the country's future course.
