The Military’s Grip on Power: Pakistan’s Descent into Political Chaos

By A. Shafaq 

The ongoing political crisis in Pakistan has once again spotlighted the heavy-handed tactics of the state against its citizens. As peaceful demonstrators demand accountability from the establishment and the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the Pakistani government and military have unleashed a wave of repressive measures that threaten democratic norms and basic human rights. This unfolding saga underscores the fragility of civilian rule in a nation where power struggles have long been dominated by the military and entrenched political elites.

The latest confrontation unfolded in Islamabad, where thousands of supporters of Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party had gathered to demand his release and protest against stealing of mandate. In a sweeping late-night raid on November 26, security forces dispersed protesters with alarming force. Reports suggest that over 500 demonstrators were arrested, with police and paramilitary forces patrolling the city to detain those who managed to escape the initial crackdown.

The government’s response has gone beyond mere arrests. Islamabad has been effectively locked down, with roads blocked by shipping containers, mobile internet services suspended, and public gatherings banned for two months. Protesters, determined to reach the capital from PTI strongholds like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have faced violent repression, including allegations of live fire by police. This draconian response highlights a systematic effort to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices.

At the heart of the protests is the demand for the release of Imran Khan, who has been imprisoned on multiple charges widely regarded as politically motivated. Khan’s ousting in a no-confidence vote in 2022, his subsequent disqualification from elections, and his entanglement in over 150 legal cases have raised questions about the impartiality of Pakistan’s judiciary and the integrity of its democratic institutions.

PTI supporters view these actions as part of a broader conspiracy to dismantle their party and prevent Khan’s return to power. Their grievances extend beyond his imprisonment to include allegations of electoral rigging in the February 2024 polls and constitutional amendments that have expanded government control over the judiciary. For many, the protests are not just about Khan but about the broader erosion of democracy in Pakistan.

The military’s outsized influence in Pakistani politics is a crucial backdrop to the current turmoil. Historically, the armed forces have played a dominant role in shaping the country’s political landscape, often undermining civilian governments to maintain their grip on power. Khan’s rise to prominence as a populist leader challenging this status quo made him a target of the establishment.

Since his ouster, the military has been accused of orchestrating a “soft coup” by supporting the current government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The civilian face of this hybrid regime has aggressively curtailed democratic freedoms, amended the constitution to consolidate power, and suppressed dissenting voices. The selective use of laws to dismantle PTI and the targeted arrest of its leaders exemplify the lengths to which the establishment is willing to go to preserve its authority.

The current situation in Pakistan bears striking similarities to other instances of military intervention in civilian politics worldwide. The Egyptian revolution of 2011, which initially promised democratic reform, ultimately saw power revert to the military under Abd el-Fattah el-Sisi. The Egyptian example serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating how the suppression of civilian voices and the dominance of state institutions can derail democratic aspirations.

In Pakistan, the central question remains: who wields power, and to what end? The answer has profound implications for the country’s future. If the current trajectory continues, with the military usurping civilian authority and democratic norms being trampled, Pakistan risks becoming a pseudo-democracy—a system that retains the facade of civilian rule but is effectively controlled by unelected forces.

The restoration of democratic legitimacy is essential to resolving Pakistan’s political crisis. This requires addressing the root causes of the unrest, including the release of political prisoners, the reversal of controversial constitutional amendments, and the holding of free and fair elections. Without these steps, public dissatisfaction will continue to simmer, potentially erupting into more widespread instability.

The current protests represent a critical juncture for Pakistan. While the immediate focus is on Imran Khan and his party, the underlying issue is the imbalance of power between civilian institutions and the military. The heavy-handed response to peaceful demonstrations only serves to deepen the divide between the state and its citizens, pushing the country further toward dysfunction.

A. Shafaq (pseudonym) is a researcher and lecturer at one of the private universities in Kabul.

Note: The contents of the article are of sole responsibility of the author. Afghan Diaspora Network will not be responsible for any inaccurate or incorrect statement in the articles.