Dr. Aliya Hashmi (Economist): It is a difficult time for the nation and the Supreme Court as the political temperature in the country is rising. It is a big challenge for the Supreme Court to make a judgment that would be acceptable to the government and the allied opposition. That is why the Supreme Court is continuing hearing of the suo motu case on the current political situation. The recent situation may lead to an economic crisis as well if the verdict of the court is delayed or the interim government is not formed in a few days. The IMF is also willing to work with the new government but the program may be affected. The political crisis in the country is looming over the ongoing staff-level review talks between IMF and Pakistan and a decision on the next loan tranche. It is time that both the parties exhibit maturity and adopt a flexible attitude in order to reach an outcome.

Dr. Farooq Hasnat (IR Expert): It is not the first time that the country is observing high political temperature. In the past when the issues emerged between then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Ghulam Ishaq Khan, General Kakar intervened and resolved the conflict but the end result was the re-election. Moreover, when Gen Zia dissolved Zulfiqar Bhutto's assembly, the Supreme Court intervened and declared Gen Zia's decision illegal but ordered to hold fresh elections. At this point of time, the country is once again heading towards fresh elections. There is no doubt that the current political crisis is destabilizing the economy. The allied opposition must wait for one more year and let the government complete its tenure. The most affected is the common man in the current scenario. Many countries have also expressed concerns over the political instability in Pakistan.

Dr. Zahid Anwar Khan (IR Expert): There is a democratic system in Pakistan and sometimes we see some challenging situations in that system. The Pakistani nation does not want to know the causes of political instability, rather it only wants the end of anarchy and restoration of democracy. The present situation is badly affecting the economy of the country. This uncertainty must come to an end as soon as possible. Now the Supreme Court must give a verdict and it is responsibility of all the stakeholders to abide by the decision as the Supreme Court is the protector of the constitution. Pakistan cannot afford the instability for a longer period of time.