Monthly Compilation of Views of VIF Expert Groups: April 2024

During the month, the VIF Pakistan Study Group discussed critical issues shaping Pakistan's current landscape. Among the key topics deliberated were the post-election political dynamics, judiciary crisis, status of political figures Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan, terrorism escalation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, Shehbaz Sharif's Saudi Arabia visit, and Afghanistan-Pakistan relations. Following February's parliamentary elections, tensions surged among major parties, leading to disqualification of PTI-backed SIC by the Election Commission. Despite concerns, Senate operations continued, resulting in PPP's Yusuf Raza Gilani elected chairman. Meanwhile, a crisis unfolded in Pakistan's judiciary, with judges urging investigation into ISI interference and receiving toxic letters, possibly part of a larger destabilisation agenda. Speculation surrounds the future of Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif, with protests and political manoeuvring indicative of shifting dynamics. Notably, Sharif's active involvement aims to rejuvenate PML (N)'s standing post-election. In security, targeted attacks on Chinese interests signal a concerning trend, while Shehbaz Sharif's Saudi trip yielded pledges but echoes previous promises. Afghanistan-Pakistan relations remain strained over cross-border terrorism, complicating normalization efforts. The study group meeting highlighted ongoing shifts in Pakistan's political, security, and diplomatic spheres, underscoring the nation's complex and evolving landscape.