The military’s continuing hold over Pakistan
The HinduAfter much waiting, Pakistan’s election drama appears to be over, with Shehbaz Sharif becoming the Prime Minister for the second time after his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz joined hands with the Pakistan Peoples Party to form a coalition government. First, with Mr. Shehbaz Sharif as the ‘selected’ Prime Minister, it will be easier for the army to control the civilian government. Hinting at Mr. Khan’s style of politics, General Munir said that Pakistan needed “stable hands and a healing touch to move on from the politics of anarchy and polarisation, which does not suit a progressive country of 250 million people.” Ironically, the army’s interference in the elections has dashed all hopes of providing a “healing touch” to the people. A loss for the people After a favourable election outcome, the military establishment now feels more emboldened to tighten its grip on Pakistan’s civilian and political institutions.