No major hurdle in holding election after Imran's arrest, say analysts

Ruling party's leader says ex-PM's arrest was a prerequisite to polls

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IMRAN Khan's conviction and his three-year jail term in a corruption case have cleared a "major hurdle" for the ruling PML-N and the military establishment, who appear to be on the same page, to hold the elections, a leading political analyst said on Saturday.

From political analysts to politicians of the mainstream parties, there has been a discussion in Pakistan in recent weeks that the general elections which are due in October/November will only be held once Imran is sent to jail, making it easier for the military establishment to get desired results (in the polls) and install a set up of its choice.

Political analyst Hasan Askari Rizvi told PTI that after the arrest of Imran, there seems to be no reason left to delay the polls. "Both the ruling PMLN and the military establishment appear to be on the same page," he said.