June 09, 2023

Democracy under siege: Pakistan's military tightens its grip on power

topic:	Democracy
located:	Pakistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

In a dramatic series of events, hundreds of civilians, including politicians, civil society activists and journalists, have been rounded up by security forces across Pakistan. 

This recent clamp down on political dissidents is the result of a mounting rift between the popular former prime minister Imran Khan and the country’s powerful military. The ultimate loser in this tumultuous socio-political environment is the general public of Pakistan, which is already reeling from the nation’s economic meltdown.

The situation began to escalate when paramilitary forces stormed a court house in the capital Islamabad on 9 May and arrested Prime Minister Khan in connection with a multi-million dollar corruption scandal. This sparked a wave of violent protests by Khan’s supporters, during which mobs had stormed security institutions, specifically targeting the army, which they perceived to be the mastermind behind Khan’s arrest. 

The country’s Supreme Court intervened and freed Khan in order to restore some semblance of stability, but what followed was a clear violation of fundamental rights and civil liberties: crackdowns on political workers, mass arrests and military court trials for civilians.

Pakistan’s top military command this week “reiterated their firm resolve” that those involved in mob attacks would be brought to justice swiftly under the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act, which are derivatives of the Pakistani Constitution. The army’s media relation department said in a statement that “It is time that noose of law is also tightened around the planners and masterminds who mounted the hate ripened and politically driven rebellion against the state and state institutions to achieve their nefarious design of creating chaos in the country.”

The 9 May incident and its aftermath serve as proof that Pakistan’s army hasn't stopped meddling in the nation’s politics; in fact, it has deepened its involvement. Furthermore, the abuse of state powers and the violent backlash against it betray a neglect of sound political processes and democratic norms, including the cultivation of a representative system of governance.   

Political freedom does not grant citizens and leaders the right to commit acts of vandalism and corruption with impunity. A solid and robust system of checks and balances should be installed in order to uphold the rule of law, not the crude power of the military to suppress democracy.

The powerful institution of the army has a greater responsibility of ensuring security and impartial internal fair play. It is only exhausting its energy and the national wealth by trying to muscle the country towards what it perceives to be a desired state of affairs for the country.

Image by Sameer Akhtari.

Call to Action

Take a part in ending violence against women in Pakistan

Support now