18th March 2024 (10 Topics)
1
Mar
2
Mar
4
Mar
5
Mar
6
Mar
7
Mar
8
Mar
9
Mar
11
Mar
12
Mar
13
Mar
14
Mar
15
Mar
16
Mar
18
Mar
19
Mar
20
Mar
21
Mar
22
Mar
23
Mar
25
Mar
26
Mar
27
Mar
28
Mar
29
Mar
30
Mar
The military’s continuing hold over Pakistan
Context:
Pakistan's political landscape sees Shehbaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), becoming Prime Minister in a coalition government with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), amid allegations of military interference and electoral manipulation.
The Military's Interference:
- Allegations of military interference in Pakistan's electoral process have sparked widespread anger, with accusations that the army-backed prime ministerial candidate, Shehbaz Sharif, was selected rather than elected.
- Significant concerns: Despite previous instances of military interference in politics, the recent election manipulation has raised significant concerns both domestically and internationally.
- Cycle of political instability: The military's intervention not only undermines democratic principles but also perpetuates a cycle of political instability and weak civilian governance in Pakistan, posing challenges for regional stability in South Asia.
The Military's Strategic Benefits:
- Pliant leader & easy control: Such selection benefits the military by ensuring a pliant leader who is less likely to challenge their authority and maintains ties with key international partners, including Western countries, China, and Saudi Arabia.
- Curtailed citizens’ rights: It leads to increased repression of dissent, targeting journalists, activists, and minority communities, exacerbating human rights abuses and curtailing freedom of expression.
- Loss for the People: Ultimately, the military's interference not only undermines democratic governance but also infringes upon the rights and freedoms of the Pakistani people, perpetuating a cycle of authoritarianism and repression.
You must be logged in to get greater insights. click here to login
More Articles
Courses
Study
Notes
Home
Resources
More
