Gibran Naiyar Peshimam, Asif Shahzad

ISLAMABAD (Reuters – Pakistan’s Prime minister Imran Khan has been scheduled to speak to the nation after the Supreme Court ruled that he acted illegally in blocking an effort to oust his predecessor. This decision could mean the end of Imran Khan’s reign as Pakistani prime minister.

Political allies of Khan, a former cricketer star, disbanded parliament last Sunday to stop Khan’s opposition from casting a no confidence vote. Khan was expected to lose the vote after his coalition partners abandoned him in order to take away he majority.

On Thursday, Khan’s move was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The Court ordered parliament to reconvene on Saturday in order for the no confidence motion to proceed as originally planned.

This court decision is just the latest in a series of crises that have threatened the political and economic stability of the country with 220 million nuclear-armed citizens. On Thursday, the rupee reached all-time lows and foreign currency reserves tumbled.

Dawn Newspaper welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling and stated that the court has reaffirmed its position as custodians of the Constitution.

The English-language newspaper stated that it was hoped the verdict would be delivered at a time when the country seemed to be heading towards disaster.

The military’s concern about political chaos is well-founded. It has intervened to overthrow civilian rulers and to take control of the country on three occasions.

Khan stated on Twitter (NYSE 🙂 that he called a Cabinet meeting on Friday and would then address the nation.

His defiance was signaled by a cricketing phrase: “My message for our nation is that I have always and continue to fight (for) Pakistan” he stated.

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Khan is a staunch opponent to the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan. He has also developed relations with Russia after he was elected prime minister. Washington denied the accusations.

Angrily Khan fans marched down the street chanting anti-American slogans, while the opposition celebrated.

Two sides were separated by police wearing riot gear.

Khan would lose the confidence vote. The opposition can nominate its prime minster to be the government until August 2023. At that point, a new election should take place.

Shehbaz Sharif was the younger brother to Nawaz Sharif who served as three-time prime Minister. He stated that Khan’s replacement had been nominated by the opposition.

Although the opposition says it would like early elections, Khan must be defeated and legislation passed to guarantee fair and free polls.

The Pakistan election commission stated on Thursday that October is the best month to hold a fresh election.

Political analysts stated that Khan’s conservative agenda and Khan were regarded favorably by the military when he was elected to power in 2018, but this support has declined.

According to the military’s leadership, it does not participate in politics including the latest round of chaos.