Islamic Republic of Pakistan could have changed its name to ‘Military ruled’ Pakistan a long time back. Nothing happens without the consent of military generals in the country which is democratic only in name. Earlier prime ministers from Pakistan have been dethroned by General Zia and Pervez Musharraf in the past. It is a testimony to the fact that Pakistan is ruled by military forces. The Pakistani military has enjoyed considerable influence over policy decisions in the country in the past and it continues to do so till date. The army makes the decision and the government ratifies them in our not-so-friendly neighbor country. The instability in Pakistan could be traced back to the importance given to military as well. In recent times, ex-PM Nawaz Sharif faced a lot of issues in dealing with Pakistani military officials. His ouster from the PM’s post could have been related to the discontent of Pakistan military officials as well. The army officials were reportedly unhappy with Nawaz Sharif forcing them to crackdown on the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Haqqani network which were operating from Pakistan. Nawaz Sharif also faced flak from the army for targeting their ex-Genral Pervez Musharraf. Things are taking a turn for the worse in Pakistani political scene with Imran Khan too coming under fire due to the lurid allegations made by his ex-wife Reham Khan.
In the latest development, caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan Nasir Ul Mulk has ordered the cancellation of Pervez Musharraf’s National identity Card (NIC) and passport. Following the order from the caretaker PM, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) of Pakistan has cancelled the NIC of ex-army chief and former President Pervez Musharraf. This leads to the automatic cancellation of Musharraf’s passport as well who is currently in Dubai and he can face deportation as his stay became illegal owing to the cancellation of passport. Pervez Musharraf had already been facing a tough time from Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League party. Nawaz Sharif too has been debarred from fighting elections over corruption and countless other charges.
Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf had created a storm in the political circles. Imran Khan, a retired cricketer, had emerged as a dominant force in the political scene of Pakistan and it looked like he could control the rapidly deteriorating situation in the country if he came to power. His hopes to gain political clout have received a massive jolt from the expose of parts of the book written by his ex wife Reham Khan. Reham Khan, in her book, has accused Imran Khan of indulging in perverse sexual acts. She also has claimed that Imran Khan and his party have formed a nexus with terrorist organizations. These accusations are part of the book which Reham Khan has written in which she talks about her life, her 10 month long marriage with Imran Khan and her struggles. Imran Khan’s image has received a serious jolt following these accusations by his ex-wife and the repercussions of these will follow in the upcoming elections.
First Nawaz Sharif, followed by Pervez Musharraf and now with Imran Khan’s chances of coming to power too in doubt it looks like the stage is all set for a military rule in Pakistan. The military always had a sizeable influence in the country but it used to happen generally behind the curtains. With United States and China playing games internationally where Pakistan is a pawn and recurring internal problems in the country, the stage is all set for the military to come forward and do what it does best in the ‘peaceful’ country, take charge.