Role of Military Elite in Politics of Pakistan; A Case Study of Imran Khan’s Government (2018-2022)

Abstract

This study examines the lasting impact of the military upon Pakistan's political scene as regards the recent ascent and decline of Imran Khan's regime. Since Pakistan became independent, its civil along with military bureaucracies have made policy centrally, often sidelining democratic institutions. Early dominance was achieved by Chaudhry Muhammad Ali, Iskandar Mirza, Ayub Khan, and Ghulam Muhammad; they were called the "Gang of Four". This dominance did lay a foundation for any military intervention. For example, the Rawalpindi Conspiracy and the Ayub-Mirza alliance depict some events. The civil bureaucracy enabled military ascendancy for that time. In the late 1950s, the military was dominant among political forces. The 2018 general elections culminating this historical trend into the 21st century saw Imran Khan’s electoral success through important military backing. However, power dynamics shifted as well as tensions grew between Khan and the military so this all led to the erosion of this support as well as his political downfall. This study shows how the military always involves itself in government by civilians with consequences for Pakistan's democracy.