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Program Director Sally Yozell was called to testify before the Congressional-Executive Commission on China.

While Islamabad’s policymakers generally favour closer ties with the US, this preference raises concerns for China.

Rumours are swirling to the effect that Pakistan’s military, backed by the ruling elite, will greenlight the postponing of the national and provincial elections that are due this fall, on the calculation that the newly-installed caretaker government will be a better vehicle for pushing through unpopular IMF austerity measures.

While there is an alignment of short-term security interests, particularly on counterterrorism, in the longer term the China-U.S. competition will hinder Pakistan-U.S. ties.

If the US-led West pushes for timely and reasonably-monitored elections with the participation of all players, including Imran, the army may not be able to oppose it. However, more complex factors may emerge in Pakistan, including voices from within and from the region, which could impact the final script in Pakistan