As Pakistan limps towards the formation of a new government following last week’s unexpected surprises in parliamentary elections, the future is set to be driven by recurring political turbulence and uncertainty.

The new ruling coalition – and it is certain to be a coalition – will likely remain under pressure and pulled apart by its members, each armed with a narrow set of self-interests distinct from the other.

Ultimately, is Pakistan already set for its next parliamentary elections to be held much sooner than planned in 2029? To that compelling question, the answer for now must come with a very heavy dose of ‘affirmative’.

The consequence of the emerging ‘half’ a rule will be multifaceted for the future of Pakistan, though eventually the country’s mainstream population will likely suffer.

In the closing days of the election campaign, two messages from former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif immediately stated the obvious. As Pakistan’s mainstream population suffered from the worst inflation in the country’s history just this past year, Sharif publicly promised a fancy urban transport project for Faisalabad followed by a promised train for a high-altitude destination, Murree.

Together, Sharif’s message was a powerful reminder of his past obsessions. At worst, however, it was a powerful........

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