2022 Pakistan economic crisis leads to political instability, The struggle was also joined by several dissident members of Khan's own party,
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). On 10 April 2022, the coalition succeeded to oust Khan through a no-confidence motion, after which the
Pakistan Democratic Movement formed its own government, choosing the opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif as the country's prime minister.[5]
Premiership
Economic policy
The new government was faced with multiple economic challenges upon formation, mainly relating to the completion of the $6 billion IMF bailout programme approved during Imran Khan's tenure. The government decided not to remove fuel and power subsidies imposed by Imran Khan during the last days of his tenure, viewing such a move as politically damaging to the new government. This was opposed by the Finance Ministry, on the grounds that it could jeopardise the IMF programme and increase the fiscal deficit.[6]
Foreign policy
The government immediately sought to mend ties with the
United States that were strained by Imran Khan's
Lettergate controversy, despite Washington's increasing prioritisation of India over Pakistan in its foreign policy.[7] Experts believed the goal of this was to balance relations between the
US and
China, while also prioritising
CPEC-related cooperation with China.[8] However, Pakistan has only received a limited response from the Biden administration,[9] the United States and India have also demanded that Pakistan stop cross-border terrorist activities.[10]
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party leader and former PM Imran Khan refused to concede defeat in the no confidence motion.
International
Indian prime minister
Narendra Modi congratulated Sharif, tweeting "Congratulations to H. E. Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on his election as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. India desires peace and stability in a region free of terror, so that we can focus on our development challenges and ensure the well-being and prosperity of our people."[13][14]
Russian president
Vladimir Putin congratulated Sharif but also slammed the United States for alleged interference in Pakistan's affairs for its "own selfish purposes".[15][16]
Saudi Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman warmly congratulated Sharif in a telephone call following his inauguration.[17]
British prime Minister
Boris Johnson congratulated Sharif, tweeting "Congratulations to @CMShehbaz on his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The UK & Pakistan have a longstanding relationship and our people share deep ties. I look forward to working together on areas of shared interest."[20]
US Secretary of State
Antony Blinken congratulated Sharif in a statement saying "The United States congratulates newly elected Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and we look forward to continuing our long-standing cooperation with Pakistan's government. The United States views a strong, prosperous, and democratic Pakistan as essential for the interests of both of our countries."[21]