By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has completed one year in office, following the formation of a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and several smaller parties. However, the past year has been fraught with allegations of political repression, media censorship, and military influence over governance, leading analysts to label it one of the most controversial administrations in Pakistan’s history.

A Coalition Government Under Military Influence?

After the 2024 general elections resulted in a fractured mandate, Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) formed a government with the backing of PPP, MQM, and other smaller political factions. However, independent political analysts argue that the government operates under heavy military influence, with Sharif lacking full autonomy in decision-making. The opposition, primarily led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has consistently accused the military establishment of orchestrating the election results and engineering the coalition to keep PTI out of power.

Crackdown on Opposition and Media

One of the defining aspects of Shehbaz Sharif’s tenure has been the aggressive crackdown on political opponents, particularly PTI. Over the past year, hundreds of PTI workers and lawmakers have been arrested in a wave of detentions that human rights organizations describe as politically motivated. Peaceful protests have been forcefully dispersed, and opposition leaders have reported harassment and legal challenges aimed at silencing dissent.

Media freedom has also suffered under Sharif’s rule, with several independent journalists taken off air and prominent news outlets facing pressure to align with the government’s narrative. Pakistan’s ranking in global press freedom indices has further declined, reinforcing concerns about shrinking democratic space in the country.

Blocking of Twitter/X and Internet Shutdowns

In a move widely condemned by digital rights groups, the government imposed a nationwide ban on Twitter/X, citing security concerns and the spread of misinformation. The ban, along with repeated internet shutdowns, caused significant disruptions to businesses and resulted in estimated financial losses worth millions of dollars. Critics argue that these measures were politically motivated, aimed at suppressing online activism and limiting opposition voices in the digital space.

Economic Struggles and Public Discontent

While Shehbaz Sharif’s government inherited a struggling economy, it has faced criticism for failing to implement effective policies to stabilize the financial situation. High inflation, currency depreciation, and declining foreign reserves have deepened economic woes. The coalition government has also struggled to attract foreign investments and has relied heavily on loans from international financial institutions to keep the economy afloat.

Public discontent has grown amid increasing economic hardships, with many citizens blaming the government’s policies for the rising cost of living. Frequent protests over inflation, unemployment, and governance issues have been met with heavy-handed state responses, further fueling frustration among the masses.

Analysts Predict Imran Khan’s Popularity Will Rise

Political analysts believe that jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan will continue to gain further popularity, as his arrest has turned him into a symbol of resistance for his supporters. With growing disillusionment over the Sharif government’s performance, many Pakistanis see Khan as the only leader capable of challenging the military-backed administration. His continued public support, despite being behind bars, poses a significant political threat to the ruling coalition.

If Khan’s popularity continues to surge, it will place immense pressure on both Shehbaz Sharif and the military establishment to improve governance and address key public grievances. The opposition’s calls for early elections and political reforms could gain further momentum, potentially destabilizing the current administration. The government’s ability to navigate this political challenge will be crucial in determining Pakistan’s future political landscape.

The Worst Government in Pakistan’s History?

Given the widespread allegations of authoritarianism, economic mismanagement, and military interference, many independent analysts consider the Shehbaz Sharif-led government one of the worst in Pakistan’s history. The administration’s failure to uphold democratic principles, ensure press freedom, and allow political opposition to function freely has raised concerns about the country’s political trajectory.

As the government enters its second year, the question remains whether it will attempt to address these challenges or continue on its current path. With increasing opposition pressure and growing public dissatisfaction, Shehbaz Sharif’s ability to sustain his fragile coalition government will be put to the test in the coming months.