Role of Pakistan’s Establishment in Politics

Abstract

The political history of Pakistan has been profoundly impacted by the country’s “establishment,” a term used for the powerful military and intelligence superstructure which has ruled and governed Pakistan. This article attempts to analyze the role of the establishment in Pakistan politics with special focus on its history, methods of interventions and impacts, and influence on democracy. Furthermore, Pakistan has suffered from the phenomenon of political instability or chronic instability for a very long period of time. This started from the military’s frequent interference in politics, taking the form of direct coups like those by Ayub Khan in 1958, Zia-ul-Haq in 1977 and Pervez Musharraf in 1999, or indirect control behind the puppet civilian governments.

His major areas of influence include: policy induction such as his kingmaker function during political tent elections, domestic and foreign security policies, controlling cabinet appointments, amendments and foreign interference, clear military sponsored media advertisement, and cut throat techniques by military owned industries.