Pakistan: PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto plotting major coup against Shehbaz Sharif; planning alliance with Imran Khan

Lahore: Bilawal Bhutto, chief of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and dissatisfied with the Shehbaz Sharif-led government, has made a bold political move. He has extended an offer of alliance to the PTI—the party of the incarcerated Imran Khan. The first test of this alliance will take place in Gilgit-Baltistan, where assembly elections were recently held; Bilawal's party has reached out to Imran Khan's party to discuss forming a government there.

What move has Bilawal Bhutto made? 

According to Geo News Urdu, the Gilgit assembly has 24 seats, requiring 13 lawmakers to form a government. Imran Khan's party holds two seats. Bilawal's party emerged as the largest in the assembly, winning 10 seats, while Shehbaz Sharif's party holds five.
Bilawal Bhutto has chosen to approach Imran Khan's party to form the government there. If Imran Khan's party gives the green light, it would deal a significant blow to the Shehbaz administration.

Did a similar political maneuver happen with Imran Khan? 

Imran Khan was ousted from power in Pakistan in 2022. At that time, Bilawal Bhutto's party supported Shehbaz Sharif's party, paving the way for Shehbaz Sharif to become Prime Minister following the 2024 elections. Bilawal's party secured the opportunity to form governments in Balochistan and Sindh. Shehbaz Sharif's party holds power in the Punjab province, while Imran Khan's party succeeded in forming the government in Khyber.
However, Bilawal Bhutto has not felt entirely comfortable within Shehbaz's government. During the recent presentation of the central budget, Bilawal openly voiced his opposition to the government. Furthermore, differences have arisen between Bilawal and Shehbaz regarding the appointment of governors.
Understanding Bilawal Bhutto's political strength
The Pakistan People's Party holds a total of 74 seats in the National Assembly. The assembly comprises 332 seats, and a minimum of 167 lawmakers is required to form a government. Shahbaz Sharif's party currently holds 131 seats, which is far short of a majority.
Bilawal's party, the PPP, is in a very strong position in Sindh, Islamabad, Balochistan, Gilgit, and PoK. If an alliance between Imran Khan and Bilawal Bhutto succeeds, it could trigger a political upheaval in Pakistan.