Friday, April 22, 2022

Prime Minister of Pakistan toppled amid shifts caused by Moscow’s war

Economic turmoil and political conflicts are rising across Asia in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, as governments seek the best course to defend their interests in a shifting world. Alongside the rulers of China and India, the capitalist leaders of Pakistan are calibrating the best place for themselves.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was ousted April 10 after a vote of no confidence in parliament and replaced with former Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Military chiefs dropped their support for Khan after his trip to Moscow on the eve of the Putin regime's invasion, where he was caught on camera telling a Russian official, "What a time to come. So much excitement!"

The U.S. government congratulated Sharif on resuming office. It has long sought an alliance with the rulers of Pakistan. Since 2002 Washington has given the regime in Pakistan more than $14 billion in military aid. With support by U.S. special forces and drones, the Pakistani government waged deadly attacks on people in areas of the country controlled by the Taliban in 2009.

After Khan took office in 2018, he increased Islamabad's allegiance with the Chinese government. He refused to host U.S. military bases and welcomed last year's Taliban takeover in Afghanistan. In recent years Beijing has expanded its influence in Pakistan at the U.S. rulers' expense.

Like numerous capitalist governments across the region, Pakistan's has become more dependent on economic relations with Beijing. Since 2015 the Chinese government has invested $75 billion in roads, railways, energy production and pipelines linking China to the Pakistani port of Gwadar. Regular joint military exercises are carried out.

After his election Sharif told parliament, "We will make sure we make Pakistan a paradise for investment." He focused on extending collaboration with Beijing on China's Belt and Road Initiative.

After Khan was booted out, tens of thousands protested across the country. He began laying the groundwork for a political comeback with further rallies planed days after his ouster. Khan denounced the new government as "slaves to America," alleging he was removed in a U.S.-led conspiracy.

Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar denied Khan's claims.


Full:
https://themilitant.com/2022/04/21/prime-minister-of-pakistan-toppled-amid-shifts-caused-by-moscows-war/ 

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