Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan has expressed concern over the state of democracy in Pakistan, stating that it is at an “all-time low.” In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Imran Khan claimed that the government is “petrified” of elections and is attempting to delay them to avoid being “wiped out.” The PTI chairman also stated that the judiciary is the only hope for Pakistan’s democracy.
The Current State of Democracy in Pakistan
Imran Khan’s comments regarding the current state of democracy in Pakistan reflect a growing concern amongst many Pakistanis. The country has a long history of military rule, with several coups and periods of martial law throughout its history. Despite the country’s return to civilian rule in 2008, there have been concerns about the quality of democracy in the country. Many have accused the government of corruption and vote rigging, and there have been protests over these issues in the past.
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The Government’s Fear of Elections
Imran Khan’s comments regarding the government’s fear of elections are particularly concerning. The ruling coalition, which is led by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), is facing a tough challenge from the PTI in the upcoming elections. The PML-N has been accused of corruption and mismanagement, and many Pakistanis are unhappy with their performance in office. The PTI, on the other hand, has promised to tackle corruption and improve the economy.
Delaying Elections
Imran Khan’s claim that the government is attempting to delay the elections is not new. There have been concerns for some time that the government is attempting to delay the elections to avoid a defeat at the hands of the PTI. In recent months, there have been calls from opposition parties for an early election, but these calls have been rejected by the government.
Imran Khan’s Arrest
Imran Khan’s comments come just days after he was released on bail by the courts. The ex-PM had been taken into custody by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on May 9th, and his arrest led to violent protests across the country. The Islamabad High Court (IHC) stopped the authorities from arresting Imran in any case, including undisclosed ones, filed against him anywhere in the country until May 15th.
Condemning Violence
In his interview with Sky News, Imran Khan condemned the violent protests that broke out following his arrest. He stated that he was opposed to all violence and called for an investigation into the protests and vandalism that occurred following his arrest. Imran Khan also called on the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Umar Ata Bandial, to lead the investigation and “personally” chair the panel.
The Role of the Judiciary
Imran Khan’s comments regarding the role of the judiciary in Pakistan are significant. The judiciary has played a key role in Pakistan’s politics in recent years, particularly in the ouster of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Many Pakistanis see the judiciary as a check on the power of the government, and there have been calls for the judiciary to play a more active role in Pakistan’s democracy.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s comments regarding the state of democracy in Pakistan are concerning. The government’s attempts to delay the elections and its fear of the PTI suggest that Pakistan’s democracy is not as strong as it should be. Imran Khan’s call for the judiciary to play a more active role in Pakistan’s democracy is an important one, and it is to be hoped that the judiciary will be able to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
