On 25th July, 2018, Pakistanis went out to cast their votes. At a time when Pakistan was marred with various problems mainly economy, unemployment, terrorism and others. With broken promises and unchanged Pakistan's condition from the last time they voted, voters once again queued to express their opinion. As the polling started to conclude, Pakistan saw people voting for the change, a slogan raised by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf [PTI]. PTI came forward as victorious. With every updated result, PTI's victory became consolidated. When Election Commission released the final results, we saw PTI leading with 119 seat at the National Assembly, Shahbez Sharif led Pakistan Muslim League – Nawaz group became second largest party with 64 seats and Bilawal Bhutto led Pakistan People's Party stood at third position with 45 seats. At this time when the article is being written, PTI and PMLN are vying for Punjab government with PTI winning 127 seats from Punjab Assembly whereas PMLN came victorious on 130 seats. However, the game is set on allies and independents. PMLN and PTI are putting utmost efforts to woo independents to form government in Punjab. In an unprecedented move, PTI has emerged as largest party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa again. It has never happened in the history when one party has ruled consecutively in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. PPP will govern Sindh once agin. Balochistan Awami party has become the single largest party in Balochistan. PTI is also working to form a coalition government in Balochistan. The overall voter turnout was recorded as 55 percent.
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The major aspect of 2018 elections is we saw bigwigs losing their seats even from their hometowns. Shahbaz Shairf contested from four constituencies and lost in three, Bilawal Bhutto lost from two constituencies including his hometown Lyari and won one seat. Similarly, Asfandyar Wali leader of Awami National Party, Fazal-ur-Rehman President of President of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, Sirajul Haq Chairman of Jamat-e-Islami, Yousaf Raza Gillani former Prime Minister and his sons, ANP's Ghulam Ahmad Bilour, Khawaja Saad Rafique, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Talal Chaudhary and Chaudhary Nisar have also lost their seats which sent shock waves to their supporters. This further stamps people voting for change. Voters preferred the other candidates this time.
Now PTI is all set to form the federal government. Prime Minister-to-be Imran Khan also addressed the nation which received praised worldwide. His tune, posture was very composed and polite. He tabled his vision in front of the nation and touched all the core issues facing Pakistan today. He also vowed to turn Prime Minister House into an educational institution and opening of Governor houses for commercial use, which received applause from all over Pakistan. It has further encouraged Pakistani and hopes are at their brink.
With various other challenges, the new government will be facing tough challenge of economy crisis, water shortage, unemployment and plagued foreign policy. With Asad Umer, the undisputed choice for the post of Finance Minister, has said all options are on the table for addressing economic crisis. Pakistan will likely go to China or IMF for loans to run the country's affairs as Pakistan does not have enough reserves with unrelenting ebb in foreign reserves.
As per the latest report, Pakistan will run short of water by 2025. Supreme Court has taken an initiative for the construction of Diamer Bhasha dam and Mohmand dam. Supreme Court has also appealed to public to contribute for these dams by donating through its given account. The construction of dams will help in reserving water and electricity generation.
As far as the foreign policy is concerned, Imran Khan has invited arch-rival India to come on the table and let's resolve all the outstanding issues through talks. He has also expressed a desire of opening borders with Afghanistan and establishing cordial relations with Iran. Imran Khan has said we will follow China's model for eliminating corruption. He further added that we will try to establish relations with the United States on mutual benefit basis.
It should be remembered that PTI has been alleged of getting support from the establishment. Oppositions complain that level playing field has not been provided. However, European Union observers have termed elections free and fair.
It is pertinent to mention here that Imran Khan contested elections for the first time in 1997, he did not even win a single seat. It also sets an example to never give up and keep struggling. Imran Khan, no doubt, started from the scratch. Now the stage is set for Imran Khan to take an oath as a Prime Minister and fulfill the promises he made with the public. People of Pakistan have given him the required mandate, now it is time for Imran Khan to return them by fulfilling the promises. Pakistanis are quiet hopeful regarding PTI's government, if PTI fails, people will become hopeless. Pakistan will further plunge in grave issues. People have tried all the major parties with voting in favor of PPP in 2008, PMLN in 2013 and now giving PTI a mandate in 2018. It is kind of now or never for Pakistan. Let's hope Imran Khan delivers and fulfills his promise.