What next, is the question on everyone’s minds now that Imran Khan has crossed the Rubicon. Despite the reservations of those around him, as well as the scepticism of those without, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League (Q) have dissolved the Punjab Assembly. Khan’s party, the parliamentarians as well as his allies who were said to be the Trojan horse placed there by the establishment, have all gone along with him. Despite the rumours of dissent within and the fears of losing the government, the deed was done. And Pakistan Muslim League (N) has accepted the move and is now getting ready for an election, instead of trying to delay it.
But as the country gears up for elections, provincial or general, or even a new spanner in the works, here are three factors which will be critical to the developments ahead.
The dissolution: the psychological impact of this decision should not be underestimated. Not just because Khan is now seen as forcing the ruling coalition to react to his decision rather than having a strategy of their own, but also because Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has successfully pushed the idea of dissolution ‘reportedly’ being opposed by the establishment. While the Pakistan Democratic Movement also hinted at this,…
