Political analysts maintain that former prime minister and founder of Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan’s confidence in predicting the current government’s demise within six months is rooted in solid grounds and a realistic assessment, grounded on his belief that the government lacks both moral and constitutional credibility.

Speaking on the Express News political talk-show “Experts”, moderated by anchor Dua Jamil, Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of The Express Tribune, underscored Maulana Fazalul Rehman’s concerns about the government’s legitimacy, highlighting the prevailing doubts.

Hussain drew parallels with the 2018 elections, suggesting that akin to that time, doubts persist about the mandate given to the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) to govern. He emphasised the perception that the government’s authority truly lies with Imran Khan, currently imprisoned in Adiala Jail.

Also read: Imran sees govt ending in six months

“US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu’s communication to Congress regarding election irregularities, along with the echoed concerns of both local and international observers, underscores the widespread acknowledgment of electoral discrepancies,” Hussain shared.

Hussain further asserted that while efforts were made in 2018 to portray elections as fair, the current elections have been marred by blatant manipulation and rigging. He expressed concern that a government formed under such circumstances stands on shaky ground and is liable to collapse at any moment.

Ayaz Khan, Group Editor of Daily Express, concurred with Hussain, highlighting Imran Khan’s resilience despite incarceration and internal discord within the PML-N.

“A man who has endured such a lengthy incarceration without striking any deals and believes that spending six more months in prison will lead to the downfall of this government, demonstrates remarkable confidence,” Khan highlighted.

The Group Editor while citing the insecurity within the PML-N, noted that they also say they should have been given simple majority. If a such majority was given, Nawaz Sharif would have assumed the role of Prime Minister but now Shahbaz Sharif finds himself once again in the position of being the scapegoat, he added.

Ayaz Khan said Imran Khan’s confidence is not unwarranted because while in incarceration, the founder of PTI orchestrated strategic political moves, enabling his party to secure significant seats despite numerous obstacles. He emphasized that even now, if Imran Khan believes that spending six more months in prison will destabilise the government, he must have some calculations to back up his assertion.

Amir Ilyas Rana, Express News Bureau Chief in Islamabad, characterised Imran Khan’s statement as political rhetoric, questioning the alternatives he presents to his followers. He criticised Khan’s overture to Maulana Fazalur Rehman, deeming it a rule-breaking maneuver.

Rana also commented on the due process surrounding Nawaz Sharif and his family’s cases, alleging irregularities in their disqualification.

“There is a significant difference between Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan; Nawaz Sharif was disqualified as prime minister, whereas Imran Khan was ousted by a vote of no-confidence,” Rana emphasised.

Faisal Hussain, Express News Bureau Chief in Karachi, raised questions about the assertion that Nawaz Sharif’s government will end in six months, pointing out the absence of a functioning government and criticising Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s stance on taking on more loans.

Muhammad Ilyas, Express News Bureau Chief in Lahore, highlighted governmental pressure amidst considerations for dialogue with Imran Khan, suggesting that Khan’s release could destabilise the government.