By Iftikhar Mashwani
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government is facing mounting political, legal and constitutional pressure amid criticism of its governance, economic conditions, security challenges and handling of key institutional matters.
Critics argue that the incumbent government has enjoyed an unusually wide political space and considerable backing from the establishment compared with previous administrations.
Despite this, they allege that poor governance has contributed to persistent inflation, economic difficulties, insecurity, terrorism and a growing public perception of injustice.
Nearly two and a half years into the government’s tenure, the political pressure surrounding the Shehbaz administration appears to be intensifying.
The situation is no longer confined to its confrontation with former prime minister Imran Khan or disputes involving the Supreme Court.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), after addressing objections to its petition, has reportedly refiled a contempt-of-court plea against the prime minister and other senior government figures over the alleged non-implementation of the Supreme Court’s August 18 order.
Imran Khan’s sister, Uzma Khan, has also filed a separate application seeking an early hearing.
Legal observers say that failure to implement a Supreme Court order in accordance with its terms could potentially create serious legal and constitutional complications for the government, although the outcome will ultimately depend on the court’s interpretation and proceedings.
Political pressure is also emerging from other directions. The Pakistan Peoples Party has threatened to reconsider parliamentary cooperation with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz over differences surrounding the Azad Jammu and Kashmir elections.
Meanwhile, Maulana Fazlur Rehman has joined a new opposition alliance seeking a coordinated political campaign against the government.
With legal challenges intensifying, relations with political allies under strain and opposition forces attempting to consolidate, a crucial question is emerging in Islamabad: Has the Shehbaz Sharif government entered the most serious political and constitutional crisis of its current tenure?
