In a recent survey by Bloomberg, top economic experts in Pakistan are placing their confidence in former Prime Minister Imran Khan to lead the country out of its economic difficulties through reforms.
Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), despite being disqualified from holding public office due to his convictions, emerged as the most favored leader among 12 traders, economists, and analysts from major brokerages. They believe that his enduring popularity could be instrumental in implementing necessary measures for the long-term stabilization of the economy.
Nawaz Sharif, the three-time former premier from PML-N, secured the second spot in the survey, with respondents highlighting his governmental experience. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, a member of the influential Bhutto family and former foreign minister, was placed third. Some respondents expressed concerns about dynastic politics.
The survey reflects a growing sense of disillusionment with the electoral system, especially as Imran Khan is disqualified from running in the elections. This comes on the heels of Imran Khan and his spouse Bushra Bibi receiving a 14-year jail sentence in the Toshakhana reference, just a day after a 10-year jail term in the cipher case.
Imran Khan is the top pick for Pakistani finance professionals to oversee the Pakistan’s economy’s recovery, according to a Bloomberg survey 👇🏻https://t.co/p2dYcdxrYG pic.twitter.com/gQbIn53gIa
— PTI (@PTIofficial) January 31, 2024
Meanwhile, the PML-N, led by Nawaz Sharif, has been gaining voter support since his return from exile in London, according to a Gallup survey. Bloomberg Economics, analyzing Pakistan’s misery index (a combination of inflation and unemployment rates), suggests that Nawaz’s party has historically performed better in managing the economy compared to rivals, including Imran Khan.
These elections aim to bring an end to the political uncertainty since Imran Khan’s removal in April 2022. The winning candidate will face the challenge of managing an economy dealing with low reserves and persistent high inflation.