Archive · 14 Jun 2025
Pakistan's Democracy: A Bedtime Story Amidst Military Control
In Pakistan, the military often controls the government behind the scenes, removing leaders who challenge them.
Imran Khan, once backed by the military, fell out of favor and was imprisoned, facing legal cases.
His party also faced a crackdown, and protests were suppressed.
The media is censored, and people who speak out disappear.
Elections are rigged to keep the military's preferred parties in power, making democracy more of an act than a reality.
This system leads to economic problems and social division, while the military maintains its grip.
Imran Khan's imprisonment is a symptom of decaying democracy in Pakistan.
The military establishment exerts significant control over the government, using the judiciary to enforce its agenda.
Khan's political party, PTI, has faced systematic dismantling, particularly after protests in 2023.
Media censorship and enforced disappearances are used to silence dissent.
The February 2024 elections were orchestrated, favoring military-supported parties.
- Who
- Imran Khan, the Pakistani military establishment, and the civilian government.
- What
- A decline of democracy and civil-military imbalance in Pakistan, with the military's significant control over the government.
- When
- Since Imran Khan's removal from office in 2022 and his subsequent imprisonment in 2023. The article was published on June 14, 2025.
- Where
- Pakistan.
- Why
- The military aims to maintain control, preventing civilian leaders from wielding genuine power, resulting in a suppression of dissent and democratic processes.
Supporters of Democracy & Civilian Rule
Military and Establishment
Civilian Authority vs Military Control
Supporters of Democracy & Civilian Rule
Advocates for a fully functioning democracy where elected officials have real power.
Military and Establishment
Those who believe that the military should maintain its influence over the government to ensure stability.
- Imran Khan's current status
- Incarcerated since 2023
- Political party
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)
- Military chief
- Field Marshal Asim Munir
- General Elections
- February 2024
- Media censorship
- Imran Khan's name censored from TV broadcasts