Pakistan’s opposition party wins crucial by-elections
KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) – The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday swept the crucial by-elections, paving the way for its government in the country’s bellwether Punjab province, unofficial results showed.
The PTI won 17 out of 20 provincial assembly seats, consolidating its lead for the post of the chief minister of Punjab, the country’s political powerbase, local media reported citing initial results.
The surprise victory means the PTI will not only win the upcoming election for the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office slated to be held on July 22, but it can also pave the way for snap elections, which is Khan’s longtime demand.
Analysts reckon that Shehbaz Sharif may advise President Arif Alvi, a PTI stalwart, to dissolve the parliament anytime soon on the heels of an unexpected defeat.
Khan, whose government was ousted through a no-confidence vote in May, launched an aggressive campaign, which helped his candidates pull off a surprise victory.
He accused Islamabad’s longtime ally the US of hatching a “conspiracy” to oust him. He also blamed the “establishment”, a term to designate the country’s powerful army, for not “foiling” the alleged conspiracy.
Washington and the army have repeatedly denied Khan’s allegations.
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