Weighing the Outcomes of Pakistan's Political Crisis Ahead of a Pivotal Court Decision

An upcoming ruling by Pakistan's Supreme Court could not only seal the fate of Prime Minister Imran Khan's embattled government but have long-term implications for Pakistan's democracy. On April 3, the day when Pakistan's National Assembly was expected to debate and hold a vote on a no-confidence motion against Khan, the deputy speaker dismissed the vote amid government accusations of a foreign conspiracy. Later that day, Khan instructed Pakistani President Arif Alvi to dissolve the parliament, call for fresh elections and appoint a caretaker government. Khan made these moves because he was likely to lose the no-confidence vote as the opposition had a majority in the National Assembly after a number of lawmakers from the government coalition defected publicly....