Imran Khan Has The Pakistani Army Defending Itself And Dodging. Why The Subcontinent Is Experiencing A Historic Moment

Since its inception, Pakistan’s army has developed a reputation for starting wars against India and losing them. It is a track record of perfect constancy. However, there is another battleground where its victory record is just as reliable. It is currently staring in defeat there. We will go into more detail about this shortly.

There will undoubtedly be some nitpicking on waging and losing wars with India. The unfortunate reality is that this army has lost practically half of Pakistan (Bangladesh) after so many wars, decimated its institutions, economy, and entrepreneurial spirit, and expulsed its best people. Finally, it has even less Kashmir than it did at the beginning (see Siachen).

Where does it come from that it has a winning record that is as consistent and is now retreating?

Pakistan’s army excels at competing against its political elite and coming out on top. It now worries about losing to its MPs as well. In that sense, Imran Khan may be close to a victory that, from a political standpoint, would be even more significant than his team’s 1992 cricket World Cup triumph. It would be a turning point in the history of the Indian subcontinent if a popular, albeit populist, the civilian force could finally defeat the Pakistani army.

It is a turning point in history because an institution that has never had its supreme power challenged, with the exception of a brief period following the defeat in 1971, is now pleading for support from the people while facing an assault from ordinary citizens. Any government of the day would have obeyed a command issued by it. It could appoint, dismiss, imprison, exile, or kill current, former, and potential prime ministers.

Does it matter that Imran Khan, who was the army’s choice at the time, didn’t win a majority? He was able to secure a comfortable majority because of the army and the ISI’s successful recruitment of minor parties and independents. Even if it is at their expense. For one regarded as the boy of the lads, a majority was of no concern.

Over the past 50 years, two powerful political families have fought for democracy in Pakistan in a variety of conflicting ways, but mostly by retaining the support of the army GHQ. Both the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) of the Sharifs and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of the Bhuttos are now worn-out and depleted organizations. One is due to the party’s declining support in Punjab, and the other is due to the fact that Nawaz Sharif, the party’s lone popular leader, is reluctant to leave the security of exile in London and take up arms at home. Both rely on the army to protect their thrones and honor. In the past, this was routine. In Pakistan, the world was yours if the army was on your side. These are not typical times since the army is currently facing the biggest, scariest existential danger to its strength and stature. A populist riding the wave of democratic power is the source of this menace.

News Mania Desk