On the verge of yet another political crisis, Pakistan, a country marked by a turbulent political past, finds itself at a critical juncture filled with uncertainty and apprehension. Ever since the dramatic ousting of Imran Khan through a staged no-confidence motion, power struggle between the establishment and Khan persists, with allegations of pre-poll rigging muddying the waters ahead of the upcoming February elections. The diminishing trust of the public in governmental institutions is becoming increasingly evident. Allegations of favoritism directed at specific political factions within the current interim administration, judiciary, and executive contribute significantly to this declining confidence.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) faces allegations of manipulating the delimitation process and revising the electoral boundaries to potentially favor the return of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to power. Concerns are already being raised regarding the upcoming general elections in Pakistan, with doubts lingering about the potential for blatant rigging. A total of 1,300 objections have been raised regarding the delimitation process in Pakistan, which ensued after the recent census conducted in the country.
The focal point of apprehensions is the mainstream political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by the incarcerated former Prime Minister Imran Khan.PTI has become the target of what is described as a systematic dismantlement by the authorities.
Munizae Jahangir, co-chairperson of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, expressed skepticism about the upcoming elections during a news conference in Islamabad. "At this point, there is little evidence to show that the upcoming elections will be free, fair or credible," she declared. Jahangir highlighted the blatant manipulation of the electoral landscape, specifically citing the alleged unlawful crackdown on the PTI. "Foremost is the blatant manipulation of the electoral landscape in which one political party, among others, has been singled out for systematic dismemberment," she emphasized.
When questioned about the influence of the powerful Pakistani military on the electoral process, Jahangir did not mince words. "I think that there is no doubt in anybody's mind that the strings of this country are being pulled by the military," she remarked.
The caretaker government, led by Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, entrusted with ensuring transparency and fairness in the elections, faces accusations of favoring pro-military political parties.
Pakistan's historical struggle with democratic governance is exacerbated by the pervasive influence of the military, which has consistently thwarted the growth of democratic institutions. Mass dissatisfaction simmers among ordinary Pakistanis who feel abandoned by an army accused of hoarding wealth and enjoying lives abroad, leaving the nation on the brink of bankruptcy. The specter of civil unrest looms large, fueled by election irregularities and a populace fed up with a system that seems to prioritize military interests over the welfare of the people.
The question now haunting the nation is whether Pakistan can weather these storms or succumb to the pressures that threaten its very existence. As the fragile democracy faces its darkest hour, the future remains uncertain.
Since its establishment, Pakistan has grappled with a tumultuous political history, marred by military interventions that have hindered the growth of democratic institutions. The military, often considered the de facto ruler, has consistently intervened to topple popularly elected governments, undermining the democratic process. The ousting of Imran Khan is just another chapter in this ongoing struggle for power.
Imran Khan, despite his removal from office, remains a formidable force in Pakistani politics. His allegations of pre-poll rigging cast a shadow over the legitimacy of the upcoming elections. The accusations raise concerns about the fairness of the electoral process and the potential manipulation that could further undermine the democratic fabric of the nation.
The military's interference in the political landscape is a recurring theme, with accusations of behind-the-scenes manipulation to control the outcome of elections. This interference not only undermines the will of the people but also perpetuates a cycle of political instability that hampers the nation's progress.
The judiciary, which is considered elsewhere a bastion of justice, in Pakistan finds itself entangled in the web of military influence. Judges, faced with the choice of aligning with the military or upholding the rule of law, often succumb to pressure. This compromises the independence of the judiciary, eroding the checks and balances essential for a thriving democracy. Judges who dare to uphold the rule of law and challenge the military establishment face harassment and even life threats. This erosion of judicial independence contributes to an environment where the military's influence permeates every aspect of governance. The erosion of judicial independence not only weakens the democratic framework but also stifles any hope for a fair and impartial legal system.
Amidst the political chaos, the common Pakistani citizen bears the brunt of economic challenges and widespread corruption. The military, accused of hoarding wealth and exploiting the country's resources, has left ordinary citizens struggling to make ends meet. The flight of military officials to western countries, where they enjoy comfortable lives, further exacerbates the sense of betrayal felt by the masses.
The economic woes facing Pakistan are multifaceted. Rampant corruption, mismanagement of resources, and a lack of sustainable economic policies have pushed the country to the brink of bankruptcy. The common Pakistani is left at the mercy of desiccated treasures, with little hope for a brighter future.
Persistent political turmoil inevitably looms ominously over the prospects of economic advancement. Pakistan’s delicate economic recuperation appears to be in an uncertain position, as political upheaval detrimentally impacts the confidence of investors, foreign investments, consumer expenditures, tax revenues, and government expenditures. The lack of explicit economic strategies from political entities and a failure to address crucial economic issues in the ongoing political discussions further worsen the nation's economic challenges.
The economic challenges confronting Pakistan raise a critical question: Can the nation survive in the face of impending bankruptcy? The mismanagement of resources, coupled with allegations of military exploitation, paints a bleak picture of the country’s financial future. The vulnerability to civil unrest looms large, fueled by the discontent of a population weary of economic hardships and a political system that seems to prioritize military interests over the well-being of the people.
Pakistan finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with political turmoil, compromised democratic institutions, and economic distress. The ousting of Imran Khan, allegations of pre-poll rigging, and the pervasive influence of the military have created a volatile environment. The compromised judiciary and economic challenges further contribute to the nation’s precarious situation. Whether Pakistan can navigate these challenges and emerge as a stable, democratic nation remains an open question. The choices made in the coming months will shape the destiny of a nation on the verge of collapse.
Mudasir Dar is a social and peace activist based in South Kashmir. He is a Rashtrapati Award recipient in world scouting and has contributed to many local and national publications on a diverse range of topics, including national security, politics, governance, peace and conflict.