Pakistan civil-military relations

It has signaled to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf that it will crackdown on the party despite its popularity.

“A coup may not be imminent, but it is fair to say that Pakistan is unlikely to come out of its enduring praetorian trap.”

A preview of Pakistan’s critical 2024 election, featuring host Tushar Shetty and guests Michael Kugelman and Kunwar Khuldune Shahid.

The invasion sparked an internationally supported process of militarization and Islamization that cemented the military's power.

“Pakistan is facing a polycrisis and it is the convergence of political, economic, social, and security crises that makes the current situation so volatile.”

Amid the power struggle between the PML-N, PPP, and PTI, the only winner has been the military establishment. 

"One can't rule out anything in Pakistani politics, which are nothing if not unpredictable."

Last year, Imran Khan’s ouster and the end of the “hybrid regime” briefly gave hope to those seeking true democracy in Pakistan. But the military managed to further consolidate its grip on power. 

The SFIC has to strike a balance between including military decision-makers to raise investor confidence and upholding democratic governance.

The rise and fall of Pakistan's most controversial populist.

There is a powerful surge of public anger against the military's political interference. But Pakistan's civilian politicians are too caught up in their personal feuds to capitalize on the movement.

Khan isn’t just a threat to the current government; he threatens the entire governance system instituted by the Pakistani military.

The civilian leadership seems to have realized that merit and seniority rather than political considerations should determine the selection of the army chief.

The Sharif family’s political fate hinges on whether they can overcome a split between backers of brothers Nawaz and Shehbaz – and convince supporters their alignment with the military is not a betrayal.

The autonomous region is a powerful card in the hands of Pakistan’s opposition as it pushes against the Imran Khan government and the military establishment.

The November election in the disputed territory will be closely watched in Pakistan and internationally.

The “minus one” narrative is gaining traction, but it would be difficult to replace Khan as prime minister.

The PTI government's poor performance has apparently alienated even Pakistan's kingmakers: the military.

When Pakistan's opposition joined forces with the government to extend General Bajwa's term as army chief, it was a blow to pro-democracy activists.

Even if the verdict against Musharraf is never carried out, formally labeling the former general a traitor could undo 60 years of unquestioned military supremacy.

The Azadi March has brought the religious right and secular left together on a one-point agenda of civilian supremacy.

The government (and military) may have miscalculated in their attempt to take down a popular judge.

Khan has a golden chance to right ties with India, Afghanistan, and the U.S. – if the establishment will let him.

What will Pakistan’s foreign policy look like under new Prime Minister Imran Khan?