03/22/2022 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – On March 8th, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s political opponents called for a vote of no confidence, ultimately hoping to oust him as the PM. He is accused of poor governance, failing foreign policy, and mishandling the economy. The vote will be held on the 28th, and according to the constitution, if the majority of National Assembly members vote no confidence, Khan will cease to hold office. Despite many people’s apparent lack of confidence in Khan, he is quick to fire back. He is accusing his opponents of corruption and humiliating members who have abandoned his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). He claims there will be a march in Islamabad of a million supporters on voting day.
The 48th conference of the Islamic Cooperation is being held over the next two days in Islamabad. The event intends to bring attention to the unity of the Muslim community in Pakistan, yet the societal polarization does not inspire confidence in that unity. Since he took power four years ago, Khan has been peddling the idea of Pakistan becoming a Riyasat-e-Madina, or Islamic state in governance and spirit. Many citizens of Pakistan do not share his fervor.
Khan uses his power to abuse and silences his opponents, with one of the more egregious incidents happening two weeks ago when police in Islamabad stormed the apartments of two opposition MPs and other activists. They have since been released, but the message is clear. On March 14th, the Aviation Minister threatened to blow up the opposition in a suicide attack. Khan’s bombastic response indicates that he does not take the threat of no confidence seriously and is confident in his goals for Pakistan and the despotic bureaucracy he has built around himself.
For interviews, please contact press@persecution.org.
