The next Prime Minister of Pakistan

Imran Khan, the former cricket star and founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, became the Prime Minister of Pakistan in 2018 after winning the general elections. His victory marked a historic shift in Pakistani politics, as he challenged the traditional ruling parties of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that had alternated in power since the 1990s. However, Khan's tenure has faced many challenges, including economic downturns, security threats, and political opposition. As the next general elections in Pakistan are due in 2023, the question arises: can Imran Khan become the next prime minister of Pakistan again?

 

According to experts worldwide, the answer is not simple. On the one hand, Khan still enjoys a significant base of support among the youth, the middle class, and the urban population of Pakistan, who see him as a symbol of change, honesty, and patriotism. Khan's government has launched ambitious initiatives such as the Ehsaas program for social welfare, the Kamyab Jawan program for youth entrepreneurship, and the Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme for affordable housing. Khan has also tried to improve Pakistan's relations with neighboring countries such as India and Afghanistan, though with limited success. Moreover, Khan's stance against corruption and dynastic politics has resonated with many Pakistanis who are tired of the status quo.

 

On the other hand, Khan's popularity has also declined in some areas. His government has faced criticism for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has hit Pakistan hard, with high infection and mortality rates. The opposition parties have accused Khan of mishandling the economy, which has struggled to achieve growth and create jobs. The media and civil society have raised concerns about the shrinking space for dissent and free speech in Pakistan under Khan's government, citing the cases of journalists, activists, and political opponents who have faced censorship, intimidation, and harassment. Moreover, Khan has faced challenges from within his own party, with some members defecting or criticizing his leadership style.

 

In this context, the next general elections in 2023 will be crucial for Khan and his opponents. The PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif, and the PPP, led by Asif Zardari, are expected to challenge the PTI in a three-way race for power. Sharif, a former prime minister who was ousted twice on corruption charges, has recently returned to Pakistan from exile in London and has vowed to expose Khan's alleged corruption and incompetence. Zardari, a former president who also faced corruption charges, has criticized Khan's economic policies and called for a united opposition to oust him. The opposition parties have also formed alliances such as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) to coordinate their protests and rallies against Khan's government.

 

However, the outcome of the elections is far from certain. Khan's supporters argue that he has delivered on some of his promises, such as improving governance, reducing corruption, and increasing accountability. They also point out that Khan's government has faced many external and internal challenges that have affected its performance. Moreover, Khan's charisma and appeal among the youth and the middle class cannot be underestimated. Khan's opponents, meanwhile, face their own challenges, such as the legacy of corruption and nepotism, the lack of a clear vision and leadership, and the divisions within their own parties.

 

The question of whether Imran Khan can become the next prime minister of Pakistan in 2023 depends on many factors. While some experts predict that he may face a tough challenge from the opposition parties, others believe that he may still have a chance to win if he addresses the concerns of the people and delivers on his promises. Regardless of the outcome, the next general elections will be a test of Pakistan's democracy and stability, and the world will be watching closely.