Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as Pakistan's Prime Minister for the second time in an election marred by allegations of suppression and tampering, with critics highlighting the government's composition of relatives, loyalists, and elite brokers from mainstream parties. The election results have sparked controversy, with claims of changed results and a stolen mandate, raising concerns about the lack of popular support for both the military and the current political dispensation. Amidst these challenges, Sharif held an icebreaker meeting with the opposition PTI leader, signaling potential for political dialogue. The economic situation in Pakistan demands quick macroeconomic reforms, but competing priorities and the need to maintain coalition unity may hinder effective governance. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's congratulations to Sharif have prompted hopes for a diplomatic thaw between India and Pakistan, despite significant obstacles in improving relations. The recent election has also been criticized for the army's interference, which has exposed the military's desperation and vulnerability. Observers warn that ignoring the public's message from the election could lead to unmanageable upheaval, while the likelihood of new political leadership emerging with a fresh approach remains slim.
Read @_sarahkhan on the Pakistani military’s control over the country’s pathways to political power—and what it will take to put democratically elected politicians in a position of strength vis-à-vis the military. https://t.co/cGPLVow46i
In the ongoing elections in #Pakistan, the likelihood of a new #political leadership emerging in the state which has a new approach and narrative remains slim, argues Rajiv Sinha https://t.co/EwqmuJYl41
If the message sent out by the people in the recent elections of #Pakistan is misread, mishandled, & brazenly ignored by the #military establishment and the #political players, it could lead to unmanageable upheaval in the country: @sushantsareen https://t.co/8jcoPGIF0U
Pakistan’s recent election might seem like business as usual for the country. But the army’s latest interference has made the generals look desperate and vulnerable https://t.co/IWiVyivXxW 👇
Indian PM Narendra Modi has congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the head of Pakistan's government, prompting hopes for a diplomatic thaw. But Sharif would need to face massive hurdles in reaching out to New Delhi. https://t.co/wJFIQw0RJm
Indian PM Narendra Modi has congratulated Shehbaz Sharif on becoming the head of Pakistan's government, prompting hopes for a diplomatic thaw. But Sharif would need to face massive obstacles in reaching out to New Delhi. https://t.co/dnOuRU8pC3
While #Pakistan’s #economy will necessitate quick thinking on macroeconomic reforms, the competing #economic priorities of the parties & the imperative of keeping the coalition intact will leave very little space for #governance to work: @Shivam05S, https://t.co/R9sWLE8OuA
That the #Pakistan election results were changed and the mandate stolen doesn’t distract from the reality that neither the #military nor the current political dispensation enjoy the support of the people, highlights @sushantsareen https://t.co/EZCGdJiPjL
Pakistan PM Sharif holds icebreaker meeting with opposition PTI leader https://t.co/DAmmUZ9LLh
In Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif became PM for the second time after an election characterized by suppression and tampering. The government is dominated by has-beens lacking popular legitimacy — relatives, loyalists, and elite brokers from mainstream parties. https://t.co/acMnju8PkF