In the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, the political landscape is set for a heated battle as former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently imprisoned, prepares to contest against the challenging alliance of 11 political parties known as the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM). PDM, led by Maulana Fazulur Rehman, orchestrated a successful Non-confidence campaign against the PTI government, resulting in the removal of Imran Khan from office in April 2022. Subsequently, Shahbaz Sharif assumed the role of the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan.

The downfall of Khan’s government evolved amidst a series of events, including the withdrawal of support from Imran Khan’s associates and allied political parties (MQM, PML-Q, BNP, and Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan). This political twist happened after Khan expressed verbal support for Russia in the conflict with Ukraine, prompting signals for regime change from the US through Cypher. Imran Khan faced legal troubles, initially jailed over theft in the Toshakhana Reference Case, which led to his arrest on May 9, 2023. The ensuing nationwide violent protests by PTI supporters marked the end of the political party, forcing PTI leaders, including Imran Khan, to depart.

Despite winning the Toshakhana Reference Case, Khan faced further legal issues related to leaking the American Cypher, sparking anti-American sentiments globally. As a result, Imran Khan found himself in trouble once again, leaving the political landscape reshaped in the run-up to the 2024 elections.

The Election Commission of Pakistan, initially scheduled to hold the General Elections in May 2023, faced a one-year delay. A temporary government assumed control, and now, on February 8, 2024, elections are set to take place throughout Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is not participating, as their electoral symbol (Bat) is no longer available. Despite Imran Khan’s advice, a new political party, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf (Nazriati) PTI-N, was formed, but encountered difficulties. PTI members will now contest independently with various election symbols.

In a significant development, the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, a faction of PTI, is aligning with PDM against Imran Khan. Comprising senior politicians who were once part of the PTI cabinet, they parted ways during the regime change. The Istehkam Party adopts the “Eagle” as its political symbol. Additionally, another PTI faction, Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaf Parliamentarian (PTI-P), led by former CM Parvez Khatak, will lead elections in Khyber Pakhtun Khawa with the symbol “Turban.”

The political landscape also witnesses mixed views within the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) regarding Khan. While Chaudry Parvez Ilahi remains a steadfast supporter, others align with the PDM.

The genesis of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) in 2022, spearheaded by Fazal-ur-Rehman, saw the formation of a historical alliance with JUI(F), PPP, PMLN, PMLQ, JIP, MQM, REH, BNP, BAP, JAH, JUP, PMAP, QWP, and JWP. The PDM’s Azadi March in Lahore and Islamabad marked a turning point, rallying against Khan’s tenure and garnering support from various political parties. After a series of successful rallies, PDM issued a No-Confidence Motion, leading to Khan’s acceptance and eventual victory in the motion.

However, internal strife within PTI unfolded as PMLQ sought the Chief Ministry of Punjab, resulting in Parvez Ilahi’s appointment as the new CM. Tareen’s group later disrupted Khan, leading to the departure of Aleem Tareen and Alamgir Tareen. Ultimately, Khan lost the second No-confidence motion, prompting calls for new General Elections. PDM’s legal intervention led to Shahbaz Sharif’s ascent as the newly elected PM, further consolidating their political triumph. Khan subsequently lost control of the Punjab and KP governments, culminating in his call for the Azadi March, where he faced an attempt on his life but survived.

Major Parties by Province:

Punjab:

Elections are expected to begin on the 8th of February this year. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) will be the eyes of the Premier spot under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, and Hamza Shahbaz. Tahreek Labaik Pakistan (TLP) is the new player in the town under the tag of Islam. TLP and PMLN are sound competent parties in the region.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa:

Pakistan Tahrik-e-Insaf (PTI) is competing in the defense of jailed Imran Khan. Without the traditional electoral symbol, PTI is in the elections to bring Khan back into the government. KP has been the home of PTI since its very beginning. PTI has been the Chief Ministry of KP since 2013. Religious parties including Jamat-e-Islami Pakistan and Jamiat Ulma-e-Islam (F) are other competitors.

Sindh:

Pakistan People’s Party is the only major political group in Sindh. With MQM and Pak Sar Zameen Party in competition in Karachi, PPP has always been the crown holder in Sindh. Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari (Former President) are leading from the front.

Balochistan:

Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) and Balochistan National Party (BNP) are two candidates for general elections in Balochistan. It is the province with the lowest population and hence lowest number of electoral areas. Major parties tend to join hands with local parties rather than bringing their candidates here.

South Punjab:

Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PMLQ), PMLN, Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party, and TLP are favorites in the South Punjab. Jailed PTI leader Shah Mahmood Quarishi’s son and daughter are contesting elections in Multan. PMLQ is divided into Chaudhry Parvez Ilahi (PTI) and Chaudhary Shujaat (PMLQ/PDM).