Pakistan's manifest destiny

Uncertain poll timetable points to more instability

As former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan languishes in jail following his second arrest in three months, Pakistan prepares for polls on an uncertain timetable. On August 9, the National Assembly was dissolved on PM Shehbaz Sharif’s advice, marking the end of a chaotic five years, which started with Mr Khan in the PM’s seat. Mr Khan was widely believed to be an approved candidate of Pakistan’s military-intelligence complex, but became the first Pakistan PM to be removed from office through a no-confidence motion in April 2022. His Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) offered the beleaguered country liberation from the overwhelming influence