Staff Report
ISLAMABAD, AUG 18 /DNA/ – The recent Supreme Court decision to shift former Prime Minister Imran Khan has triggered a wave of mixed reactions within Pakistan’s major political parties, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML‑N).
Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry stated that the government would implement the apex court’s ruling “in letter and spirit,” signaling compliance with judicial directives despite political reservations. Some PPP leaders have cautiously welcomed the decision, describing it as a step toward upholding the rule of law. However, the party’s top leadership has yet to issue an official statement, reflecting internal divisions over the matter.
According to insiders quoted by Islamabad Post, the upper echelons of both PPP and PML‑N are privately dissatisfied with the ruling. Party strategists reportedly believe that keeping Imran Khan behind bars would have weakened his political momentum, thereby reducing the threat he poses to their electoral prospects. The concern is that if Khan gains greater visibility and freedom of movement, both PPP and PML‑N could suffer politically, particularly as his party continues to mobilize support across urban and youth demographics.
This ambivalence highlights the delicate balance between respecting judicial independence and safeguarding political interests. While public statements emphasize adherence to the Supreme Court’s authority, behind closed doors, party leaders are weighing the potential impact on upcoming electoral contests.
The decision has thus exposed fault lines within the ruling coalition, with PPP and PML‑N caught between legal obligations and political calculations. Observers note that the muted response from senior leadership suggests a cautious approach, as both parties attempt to manage public perception while preparing for the challenges posed by Imran Khan’s possible resurgence.
