Pakistan's Prime Minister Problem

Since it gained independence 75 years ago, not one of Pakistan's elected prime ministers has completed a full term of office. Assassinations, coups and resignations have seen to that. Consequently, this has created one of the world's most volatile polities, in one of the world's roughest neighborhoods.

Now, Pakistan's 22nd Prime Minister, Imran Khan, faces a parliamentary crisis. From cricket superstar and international playboy, to a jet setting philanthropist, to a populist Islamist, Imran Khan's ascent to the highest office in Pakistan has been a remarkable case-study in professional evolution. Now he's in a fight for political survival as he faces a vote of no-confidence in a raucous parliament.

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In this episode, Asia Stream Correspondent Monica Hunter-Hart reports on Khan's political ascent. Then, Asandyar Mir of USIP, Madiha Afzal of Brookings and Uzair Younis of the Atlantic Council weigh in about what ails Pakistan's democracy.

Asia Stream is hosted by Wajahat S. Khan, our digital editor and executive producer, and produced by Monica Hunter-Hart and Jack Stone Truitt.

Related to this episode:

Pakistan PM Khan faces ouster amid fears of failing economy, by Adnan Aamir

China takes wait-and-see stance on Pakistan's political turmoil, by Adnan Aamir