Pakistan’s upcoming general elections have gained attention thanks to a recent Google Doodle, which serves as a reminder to the people of the country. The previous election took place in 2018, resulting in a victory for former cricketer Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The PTI secured 149 out of 342 seats in the national assembly, earning a vote share of 31.82 percent.
According to the country’s constitution, the next general election is due within 60 days after the current National Assembly’s term ends on August 13. However, if the National Assembly is dissolved earlier, elections must be held within 90 days of its dissolution. Typically, Pakistan conducts provincial and national assembly elections simultaneously.
Imran Khan, who served as the former Prime Minister, has been advocating for early elections, while the government argues that the ongoing economic and security crises pose challenges in organizing elections. Recently, the Supreme Court of Pakistan ordered the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement and Imran Khan’s PTI to engage in talks and agree on an election date.
In a move to pressure the government into calling early elections, the PTI dissolved the legislative assemblies in the provinces of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it held control.
Pakistan’s economy is currently grappling with a severe inflation crisis, reaching its highest rate since 1957. The country now faces the highest inflation rate in Asia, surpassing even Sri Lanka. As of May 2023, the inflation rate stands at a staggering 38%, posing significant challenges for the government and the people of Pakistan.
