Former PM Imran in Punjab by-elections faces test popularity.

Analysts say election gives PTI chairman the chance to gauge how well his campaign to raise popular support is going.

 

ISLAMABAD:

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan faces a popularity test tomorrow (Sunday) in by-elections on 20 Punjab Assembly seats, which will decide the fate of provincial government led by Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz.

Sunday’s vote in Punjab is seen as a possible bellwether for national elections. It must be held in October next year, although ex-PM Imran has campaigned across the country for an earlier poll.

20 Punjab Assembly seats fell vacant after the (ECP) disqualified (PTI) dissident lawmakers.

The machinations led to a change of government in the province, which is now headed by Hamza Shehbaz.

Analysts say election gives the PTI chairman a chance to gauge how well his campaign to raise popular support is going.

“If he wins, he will say ‘people are with me’ and increase pressure for fresh elections,” political commentator Hasan Askari told AFP.

Also read: By-poll preparations in Punjab enter final phase

If he loses, “Khan will definitely call it a rigged election”, he added.

The former premier has drawn thousands to rallies across the country since being deposed, giving lengthy speeches claiming the coalition government was imposed on the country by a US-led conspiracy.

He also blames the current government for soaring inflation. Although most analysts agree PM Shehbaz inherited the country’s economic woes. It was given some relief this week by an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to resume a rescue package.

PML-N needs to win at least half the 20 seats up for grabs in Punjab.

“Stakes are high on both sides,” Askari said.

“The future political direction will remain uncertain in Pakistan even in the post-election period.”