As Pakistan prepares for national elections next week following nearly two years of turmoil and unrest, the country’s fragmented politics are reaching a fever pitch. The composition of the next administration is at risk, as is the form that democratic governance takes in the coming days, weeks, and months.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI)
One of the most well-liked politicians in the nation, former prime minister Imran Khan, has already been eliminated from the competition. A municipal court last week imposed two jail terms on him, along with a ten-year ban from holding any public office.
But more important than just conducting an election is the stake in Pakistani politics. It’s possible that the numerous rifts that have emerged in the nation’s political and social fabric are not entirely reflected in the election results.
When Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Justice Party) gained support from the public and established a government in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in 2013, these fault lines had already begun to show over ten years earlier. The genuine split occurred on May 9, 2023, following years of twists and turns in which Khan first gained favour with the military establishment before running afoul of it.
Since then, Khan and his allies have been subjected to a barrage of desertion along with the full force of the law. The empire has retaliated forcefully. The PTI, formerly a political behemoth, is in disarray. Critics of it are pointing fingers and lamenting the absence of what is known as fair play.
Khan’s political misjudgements
A misperception of the military establishment and its fundamental role in the state lies at the core of Khan’s political miscalculations. The real-world applications of civil-military relations in Pakistan significantly influence the country’s power dynamics in public and academic publications. Khan gained power by exploiting the establishment’s influence and then used this power to intimidate his opponents and destroy them.
The initial response of his support base to his harangue against military officials was rapturous. In speeches, he crossed a red line and blamed generals for the conspiracy against him, attracting adoring crowds. Emboldened by a lack of pushback by the military, he kept upping the ante. Khan’s advisors supported him as the only politician with enough public traction to win the military.
Military leadership and the institution
Attacking the military leadership and the institution itself are two very different things. Drawing up a conspiracy theory that the US government is working with the military to topple him and accusing the military of treason are two very different things. Khan’s charges were not only highly provocative, but they also turned out to be unsupported by any proof.
Thus, the events of May 9, 2023, were just waiting to happen. His supporters were carrying out what the party leadership saw as a last-ditch effort to overthrow the military high command and firmly shift the balance of power in the nation in Khan’s favour when they stormed the military headquarters in Rawalpindi and set fire to the residence of a three-star general in Lahore. Practically speaking,
Capitol Building, Washington, DC
It’s not unreasonable to draw comparisons to the supporters of Donald Trump storming the Capitol in Washington, DC. Khan’s arrogance caused his entire structure to collapse when the law ran its course, frequently erring on the side of severity. For the time being.
Has Pakistan’s democratic space decreased as a result? Yes, in a lot of ways. Has the building’s footprint grown? It has, indeed. Even if the political landscape is becoming more constrained, have Khan’s opponents in politics—whom he refused to recognize as real players—taken advantage of his fall from grace? That’s for sure.
Factors Contributing to Khan’s Downfall
Personal leadership style:
Khan alienated many people, both inside and outside of his party, due to his dictatorial tendencies and lack of ability to forge agreements. His unwillingness to seek the advice of specialists and pay attention to dissident opinions did little more than further isolate him and erode his hold on power.
Failure to Deliver Promised Reforms:
Even with his lofty language and big promises, Khan’s administration had trouble putting significant reforms into place. Many of Khan’s promises, ranging from combating corruption to reducing poverty, went unfulfilled, undermining the public’s faith in his capacity to lead with effectiveness.
Foreign policy setbacks:
Khan’s handling of issues related to foreign policy was also questioned. His inconsistent and incoherent approach to neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan and India resulted in diplomatic defeats and setbacks on the global scene.
The Way Forward
Need for Reforms:
Khan must address Pakistan’s socioeconomic issues and implement real changes to regain public confidence and save his political career. This entails putting into practice sensible policies to promote economic expansion, fight corruption, and enhance governance.
Building Consensus:
Khan should also endeavour to create understanding and encourage communication with stakeholders and opposing parties. Khan may foster a more favourable atmosphere for advancement and growth by advocating for national stability and unity.
Criticism and Opposition
From Within:
Opposition parties were not the only ones to criticize Khan’s ideas and manner of governing. As many questioned his leadership choices and handling of important issues, dissension among his coalition partners and party also increased.
Media Scrutiny:
The general public’s perception of Khan’s administration was greatly influenced by the media. Khan’s reputation and credibility were further damaged as media outlets and journalists quickly highlighted the administration’s shortcomings and weaknesses.
Public Perception and Trust Erosion
Decline in Public Support:
Khan’s popularity started to decline as his reign went on. Many Pakistanis became disillusioned with his leadership as a result of his inability to live up to expectations.
Trust Deficit:
The public’s trust in Khan’s government was rapidly declining. His leadership was criticized for unfulfilled promises, poor governance, and a perceived lack of connection to the struggles of Pakistanis.
Conclusion
Imran Khan’s political downfall is a result of his leadership style, failure to fulfil promises, and loss of public trust. However, there’s still hope for Khan to turn things around. Khan can reclaim his transformative leadership legacy by acknowledging his shortcomings, embracing criticism, and establishing a new course for Pakistan.
