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Stress is closing in on the Sharif authorities from all sides, with political tensions rising and the Imran Khan row deepening.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (REUTERS)
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s authorities is going through rising political strain as tensions with key ally Pakistan Peoples Get together (PPP) deepen and opposition events transfer nearer to forming a united entrance.
The political churn comes at a time when the federal government can be going through a contemporary controversy over its dealing with of former prime minister Imran Khan’s medical treatment.
Imran Khan Hospital Row Provides To Stress
On August 18, Pakistan’s Supreme Court docket ordered that Khan be shifted from Adiala Jail to Shifa Worldwide Hospital in Islamabad inside two days for examination and therapy by a multidisciplinary medical board.
The federal government subsequently sought a evaluate of the order, arguing that Khan must be examined at a public hospital as a substitute.
Khan was finally taken out of Adiala Jail, however to not Shifa Worldwide Hospital. He was as a substitute moved to the state-run Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad, the place he underwent medical checks earlier than being returned to jail after a number of hours.
The last-minute change has triggered allegations from Khan’s household and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) celebration that the federal government violated the Supreme Court docket’s instructions. The federal government has defended the choice, citing safety considerations.
The alleged non-compliance might now expose the federal government to contempt proceedings if the matter is taken up earlier than the court docket.
Cracks With PPP Widen
Political strain can be constructing inside the ruling association, with the PPP publicly hardening its place in opposition to the PML-N authorities.
PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has mentioned his celebration will withhold assist for any authorities laws within the Senate or Nationwide Meeting till its grievances are addressed.
A serious flashpoint is the latest Kashmir elections. The PPP has alleged irregularities and collusion within the polls and mentioned it might problem the outcomes by authorized boards.
Bilawal has additionally reached out to the opposition over parliamentary issues and mentioned a “real alliance” with the PML-N wouldn’t be potential beneath the present circumstances.
One other level of friction is the controversy over the creation of latest provinces. Bilawal has mentioned any such transfer must be based mostly on political consensus quite than pushed by with out broader settlement.
The PPP’s stance is critical as a result of it stays a vital ally of the PML-N-led authorities. A deeper rift might complicate the federal government’s place in Parliament and alter the broader political arithmetic.
Opposition Steps Up Stress
Stress can be constructing outdoors the ruling alliance.
JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman introduced this week that opposition events had agreed in precept to kind a joint front following consultations with Nationwide Meeting Opposition Chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai, Senate Opposition Chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and different opposition figures.
The events have agreed to coordinate their technique inside Parliament, with additional consultations anticipated on how the joint opposition association will work.
A vital opposition assembly is anticipated on Monday, based on sources.
The PPP’s place can be intently watched as these consultations progress. In response to sources, its assist might turn into essential if the opposition finally makes an attempt to maneuver a no-confidence movement in opposition to the Shehbaz authorities.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18Sure, the alleged non-compliance by the federal government with the Supreme Court docket’s order concerning Imran Khan’s medical therapy might result in contempt proceedings.
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Group Editor, Investigations and Safety Affairs, Network18
August 22, 2026, 11:19 IST
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