Khan, Sharif or Chaudhary: Whoever becomes Pak PM, it is the army which will call the shots
New Delhi, July 25: The outcome of the Pakistan election result would be crucial for India. The question that officials ask in India is whoever takes over as PM in Pakistan, it would be important to see whether he can challenge the all powerful army out there.
For India, Nawaz Sharif would have been the best bet, as he regularly challenged the army. However with him in jail, all eyes would be on his brother Shebaz Sharif. If the PML-N is voted to power and Sharif becomes the PM, it is unlikely that he would take on the army.
Shehbaz like his brother Nawaz has been vocal about normalising ties with India. However when it came to taking on the army, he has more accommodative than his brother. Analysts say that in case he manages to become the PM, then there is a chance he would be accommodative of the army in exchange for the release of his brother.
Imran Khan has been the biggest flip-flop. Initially he always maintained that he wanted friendly ties with India. However with his campaign gaining no traction, he had taken a complete u-turn where India is concerned and even called for cutting off all trade.
If Imran Khan comes to power, then he is unlikely to pose any challenge to the army. The army for now trusts him and there is an impression that the Pakistan military wants to see him as the PM.
The other man India would keep a close watch on is Chaudhary Nisar Ali Khan, who is contesting as an independent. His chances become clear in case the verdict is unclear. The army would ensure that he is made the PM. He takes a very hard stand where India is concerned and this suits the army.