Democratic Fragility and Military Influence: Pakistan's Economic Odyssey

Imran Khan, then prime minister of Pakistan, at a military parade in Islamabad, March 2019. Akhtar Soomro / Reuters

Pakistan’s economic challenges are closely linked to its fragile democratic process and the significant influence of the military in governance. The country’s economy has suffered as a result of inconsistent policies and political instability caused by frequent military interventions in civilian affairs. The military’s substantial sway over crucial decision-making processes has frequently marginalized democratic institutions, resulting in a dearth of strategic economic planning and investment. In addition, the military’s control has fostered a climate of corruption and favoritism, impeding initiatives to foster openness and responsibility in economic administration. Pakistan’s economy is confronted with significant challenges, such as substantial debt, fiscal deficits, and low human development indicators. These issues are further compounded by a weak democratic framework and military interference, according to the World Bank. Without significant reforms to bolster democratic institutions and reduce military influence, Pakistan’s economic future remains uncertain, highlighting the pressing need for sustainable democratic governance to foster economic growth and prosperity.

From its establishment in 1947, Pakistan has navigated the challenges of democratic governance in the midst of a volatile political landscape. From military coups to allegations of election irregularities, the nation’s path towards a strong democratic system has been filled with turbulence.
In the past, Pakistan has faced challenges in areas such as freedom of speech, press freedom, and the electoral process. Pakistan’s position on the World Press Freedom Index remains low, ranking 145th out of 180 countries in 2020, despite some recent progress towards a more independent press.
moreover, the electoral process remains plagued by discrimination against minority communities. Unfortunately, the recent 2024 elections did not deliver on the promise of equal representation for minorities, despite the government’s claims of progress. Healthcare, unemployment, and education continue to be ongoing concerns for minority groups, underscoring the systemic obstacles they encounter.

The rule of law poses significant challenges for Pakistan, as it is a fundamental aspect of democracy. The presence of corruption, political influence, and a lack of accountability have posed significant challenges to the development of a strong legal framework, despite ongoing efforts to enhance judicial processes.
In a recent development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) delivered a unanimous ruling, exposing that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) received illicit funding from abroad, causing significant upheaval in the political landscape. Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister, is currently under scrutiny for alleged misconduct, including the concealment of accounts and the submission of false declarations. This has sparked concerns about the inconsistent application of the law.

Imran Khan’s party, which has been quite vocal in accusing critics of accepting foreign funding, is now caught up in a scandal of its own, glaringly exposing the party’s hypocrisy. Attempts to shift responsibility and undermine institutions only deepen public skepticism towards the democratic process.
In the current political landscape of Pakistan, the PDM has a crucial chance to counter the populist narrative promoted by the PTI and promote a more inclusive political dialogue. By highlighting the PTI’s inconsistencies and championing authentic democratic values, the PDM seeks to guide Pakistan toward a more promising and fair future.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s path to democracy has been characterized by a mixture of advancements and obstacles. While navigating the intricacies of democratic governance, political entities must prioritize transparency, accountability, and equality to establish a truly representative democracy that caters to the needs of all citizens.