A number of residents of Karachi on Wednesday engaged in contemplation about Pakistan’s political future after the announcement that former prime minister Imran Khan would be barred from politics for a five-year period.
The decision comes in the wake of Khan’s conviction and subsequent imprisonment on corruption charges. The official order, disclosed on Tuesday, August 8, dictates his exclusion from politics for the mentioned duration.
Speaking to Reuters, Shams Kario expressed his doubts about the decision, labeling it as “unjust.” He articulated his perspective, stating, “When someone is disqualified by the Election Commission even before the opportunity to appeal is presented, it raises significant concerns for politicians and the general public alike.”
Nawab Ali Shah, a government employee, weighed in on the matter, noting, “Imran Khan’s disqualification for five years is not an endpoint; rather, it marks the beginning of his potential appeal journey. Beyond the Election Commission, there exist higher forums where he can present his appeal and substantiate his innocence. Within this legal framework, his verdict might be either overturned or subjected to a new direction.”
Akhtar Shaheen, a local resident, offered his perspective on the broader implications of the situation, asserting, “The setback to Pakistan’s future began when Imran Khan’s government was ousted. Regardless of whether it’s Khan’s administration, Nawaz Sharif’s, the Pakistan Peoples Party’s, or any other party’s, it is vital for any government to complete its mandated five-year tenure. To achieve this, all institutions, including the establishment, must be in sync if Pakistan aspires to make progress.”
The official order from the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as confirmed by a senior officer and reported by Reuters, explains that Khan’s disqualification aligns with his conviction.
