Pakistan’s government is once again in disarray, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is under more and more fire from all sides. The rising violence of the Taliban along the border with Afghanistan has put a strain on national security. At the same time, large-scale protests over the Palestine conflict have broken out in many big cities. The situation has caused a perfect storm of unrest, and Sharif’s government is now trying to keep things stable while the public is angry and the whole world is watching.
Getting worse with the Taliban
Fighting has gotten worse between Pakistani security forces and Taliban rebels near the border with Afghanistan over the past few weeks. Reports say that attacks across the border have hurt several soldiers and caused fear in frontier towns. Even though Pakistan is still working with Kabul on political issues, the Taliban’s defiance has made it clear that Islamabad’s power is decreasing. This is not only a military task for Shehbaz Sharif, but also a political one, because leaders of the opposition say his government is not doing a good job of protecting the country.
Palestine Protests Spread Across the Country
More trouble has been caused by pro-Palestine protests in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. People are protesting and want the Pakistani government to take harder steps against Israel and other Western powers. That being said, what started out as polite gatherings has sometimes turned into fights with police. The unrest is adding to the stress on an already weak government that has to deal with tough economic times and angry citizens over high unemployment and inflation.
Government In the middle of a fight
Sharif’s government now has to deal with two problems at once: keeping the borders safe and keeping the peace as social unrest grows. His cabinet’s reaction has been cautious, telling people to be calm and focusing on diplomatic channels. But some people say this “soft approach” shows weakness. The opposition, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) group, has used the chance to call the government into question, saying it is losing power in both the country and other countries.
There Is No Relief in Sight
Analysts think that the situation could get worse if nothing is done quickly and decisively. Pakistan’s economy is still weak, its foreign funds are low, and people’s feelings are all over the place. The leadership of Shehbaz Sharif is being put to the test in one of the toughest ways yet, as the Taliban refuse to work with the government and anger grows at home.
Pakistan is in a tough spot—there are threats from outside the country and trouble inside the country. Shehbaz Sharif has to walk a fine line to keep his government afloat as tensions with the Taliban rise and protests in Palestine continue. Everyone is still wondering if he can bring order back or if he will be taken away by the growing wave of anger.
