August 1: The Irish Times states that Imran Khan’s victory in Pakistan’s general elections falls short of an overall majority but heralds a breakthrough in a country whose politics have hitherto been dominated by two large dynastic parties which have governed alongside the powerful military since independence 71 years ago. Khan’s party campaigned against corruption, promises political reform, and is pledged to increase welfare and education spending. That will be difficult to deliver because of a looming balance-of-payment crisis and continuing political interference from the military and judiciary who backed his party by restricting media freedoms and harassing his mainstream opponents.
The Irish Times: Irish Times view on Imran Khan’s victory in Pakistan’s elections
