Pakistan opposition will push back on crackdown

Subject

Pakistan government's crackdown on the opposition.

Significance

The anti-corruption National Accountability Bureau (NAB) last week arrested former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who denies the charges against him. In recent weeks, the NAB has arrested several opposition politicians.

Impacts

• The opposition will intensify its criticisms of the government's austerity measures, introduced in line with the IMF bailout.
• The government will likely see greater internal strain as it comes under growing pressure.
• The politically powerful military may try to exert more overt control over policy.