Soon after the Indian elections, and with the world’s attention on the US presidential elections scheduled for November, Pakistan is grappling with its domestic problems following the February elections. The country is embroiled in a tumultuous struggle to come out of a severe economic crisis exacerbated by fiscal and administrative mismanagement. Over the past few years, the Muslim League government has been working hard to stabilise the economy. However, tough decisions imposed in the national budget under pressure and consultation with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have sent widespread repercussions, sparking protests in almost all sectors of the country.
The economic hardships facing ordinary Pakistanis have intensified dramatically. To conserve energy, businesses have resorted to power cuts between 9pm and 8am, but the Prime Minister has directed that the blackouts should end by 6am. However, this measure has brought little relief to the people, who are further burdened by rising petrol prices and continuous hikes in electricity and gas tariffs due to government mismanagement. Though the government attributes these decisions to the need to meet IMF conditions, it is struggling to address the burgeoning problems facing the country. Almost every sector of society has been affected, with the general public expressing their discontent through widespread protests and strikes.
In these trying times, a significant increase in terrorist incidents has added to the country’s woes. These terrorists, backed by India and Afghanistan, are trying to sabotage the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. In response, Pakistan has launched destabilization operations against these forces. However, this move has drawn criticism from the US Congress, which passed a resolution against Pakistan’s recent elections. The resolution highlights the ongoing campaign by Pakistani political parties who continue to criticize state institutions that are supposedly backed by the US even after losing power. This interference by the US Congress is being viewed as an unwelcome interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs.
The US resolution is seen as a blatant interference in Pakistan’s internal affairs. This sentiment was echoed in the National Assembly and provincial assemblies where lawmakers passed resolutions condemning US interference and reaffirming the patriotism of the Pakistani people. It is a well-known fact that certain Pakistani politicians have received support from India, the US and Israel over the years and foreign currency has flowed freely during election campaigns. The US Congress is well aware that its policies regarding democratic governments are often tainted as evidenced by its historical support for undemocratic regimes and processes. This situation raises questions about the real motives behind US involvement in Pakistan’s electoral politics.
The upcoming US elections are also stirring controversy, with former President Donald Trump questioning the transparency of the electoral process. Trump has openly stated that if he does not win the November elections, it will be troubling for the country, signaling potential insecurity. At a rally in Ohio last March, he claimed that he would not be re-elected if he lost, and emphasized that November 5 is a crucial day in American history. Trump’s claims that the far-left wing of the Democratic Party stole the 2020 election continue to resonate, as he promised to prevent a similar incident in 2024. The remarks not only stoke domestic political tensions, but also have international implications, especially for countries that are closely watching the US political situation, such as Pakistan.
The Pakistani-American community of over 1.2 million is deeply involved in this election. President Joe Biden’s strong support for Israel has drawn harsh criticism from the US Muslim community, which generally opposes Israeli aggression. In contrast, Donald Trump has expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions towards Palestine, calling it disastrous. Regardless of who wins the election, be it Biden or Trump, the new US administration will face significant foreign policy challenges. These include Russian aggression, China’s economic challenge, continuing violence in the Middle East, and the situation in Afghanistan and Kashmir. Addressing these issues will not only shape global geopolitics but will also impact Pakistan’s strategic environment.
Some in Pakistan have speculated that a Trump victory would bring major political change to the country. However, the current administration is stable and focused on overcoming foreign pressure to stabilize democracy and improve the economic situation. To achieve this, it is essential that both the federal and provincial governments consolidate their authority and implement effective measures. Only then can problems such as inflation, street crime, and overall economic insecurity be curbed, providing much-needed relief to the Pakistani people.
Ultimately, the intertwining political dynamics between the US and Pakistan reflect a complex web of domestic and international challenges. As Pakistan weathers its economic crisis and deals with regional security threats, the outcome of the US elections will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping the country’s future. It is crucial for Pakistan to strengthen its internal stability and sovereignty and effectively address its myriad challenges. Moving forward will require concerted efforts by all sectors of government and society to ensure a resilient and prosperous future in a rapidly changing global context.
