PM Shehbaz may dissolve National Assembly within three months, claims PPP leader

Manzoor Wassan, a leader of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), made a bold prediction on Sunday about the country's political future, anticipating the dissolution of the incumbent government within the next three months. Wassan emphasized the significance of the upcoming trimester for Pakistan's political landscape, suggesting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif might dissolve the National Assembly during this period.

Wassan ruled out the possibility of Nawaz Sharif, the President of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), becoming the next prime minister given the current political scenario. He mentioned that while the federal government might see significant changes, the provincial assemblies are likely to remain intact.

He also commented on the bleak prospects for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan and other politicians, noting the instability of political reliefs. Wassan cautioned Khan against relying on uncertain political favors, implying that his political future remains precarious.

These remarks come amidst tensions between the PPP and the ruling PML-N, especially regarding the upcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2024-25. PPP senior leader Khurshid Shah expressed concerns over the lack of consultation with his party on budgetary matters. Shah criticized the government's opaque handling of the budget, privatization policies, taxes, and developmental programs, suggesting that the PPP has been left out of critical economic decisions.

Shah further speculated that the budget might be heavily influenced or even dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), reflecting a lack of autonomy in the government's economic planning. The PPP's grievances highlight internal discord within the ruling coalition and suggest significant challenges ahead as Pakistan navigates its complex political and economic landscape.