What’s next for Pakistan’s political chaos?

On Wednesday, May 17 at 19:30 GMT:
The dramatic arrest of former Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has sparked protests and riots, with thousands arrested and at least 10 people killed.

Now out on bail, Khan continues to escalate his anti-military rhetoric and call for nationwide “freedom” protests.

Last week’s unrest is the latest chapter in tense relations between Khan and the country’s powerful army generals. Khan, a former cricket star turned populist, was removed from power in a parliamentary vote of no confidence in April 2022.

Since his removal from office, Khan has been involved in around 100 court cases and has been charged with corruption and terrorism. During the same period, Khan has turned into an outspoken opponent of his former allies within the military, even claiming that the military was behind an assassination attempt last year in which he was shot in the leg.

With Pakistan set to hold elections by October this year, the unrest raises greater questions about national stability in a country with a history of military takeovers and political violence.

In this episode of The Stream, we take a look at what the latest political crisis means for Pakistan.

In this episode of The Stream we speak with:
Sarah Zaman, @SarahzTV
Pakistani bureau chief, Voice of America

Uzair Younus, @UzairYounus
Director of the Pakistan Initiative, Atlantic Council

Shafqat Mahmud, @Shafqat_Mahmood
Senior Member, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)