Pakistan is facing a severe political crisis due to the army’s interference in civilian affairs. General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s loss of faith in former prime minister Imran Khan was the tipping point that led to the current crisis. Although the military removed Nawaz Sharif from power and ensured Imran Khan’s victory in the 2018 elections, the army’s role in Pakistani politics has been an overarching one since independence.
The opposition coalition, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), saw an opportunity to remove Imran Khan from power when the army turned its back on his party. Despite the PML-N and PPP’s previous governments being dismissed by the military, they were willing to work with General Bajwa. Imran Khan tried to use strong-arm tactics to keep MPs from coming to the National Assembly to vote, but the PDM won, and Shebaz Sharif became the Prime Minister.
Imran Khan’s popularity has continued to rise among young voters and both the poor and middle class. However, his defense of religious extremist groups and failure to address corruption in his government has also earned him criticism. Since his ouster, Khan has taken swipes at the army, blaming former army chief Bajwa and the US for not toeing Washington’s line on Ukraine.
General Bajwa promised to remain neutral and not interfere in political parties’ squabbles after his falling out with Khan, a welcome change in Pakistan’s history. However, the government and Imran Khan are in a tug-of-war over elections. The government argues that the country’s economic condition needs to stabilize before holding elections, while Khan wants them held as soon as possible.
In conclusion, Pakistan’s political crisis can only be resolved, if the army sticks to General Bajwa’s promise of remaining neutral and not playing political parties against each other. This will allow for stable governance and democratic elections, without the constant fear of military intervention.
