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.