The Destabilization of Pakistan's Political System by Military Takeovers

Pakistan's political system has been destabilized by military takeovers that have undermined the legitimacy of the country's two key institutions: the constitution and the judiciary. These institutions are essential for maintaining a democratic system, with the constitution establishing the rules for governance and the acquisition of power through legitimate means and the judiciary serving as an impartial arbitrator. However, military rulers have altered the nature and composition of these institutions to serve their own interests and further their own political agendas, working with a sympathetic judiciary to provide legal justification for prolonged military rule. 

In addition, the military has formed alliances with various sectors of society, including political parties, media, and civil society, who have prioritized their own interests over democratic principles by supporting the military rule. This has resulted in a power imbalance between civilian and military institutions, with transitions back to civilian rule often being problematic and marked by constitutional and institutional issues. The military regimes have also cultivated a class of individuals and groups who have benefited from their rule, leading to a culture of opportunism among politicians who see it as a way to advance their own power and influence. This practice of shifting political allegiances has become a normal part of Pakistani politics, with parties from across the political spectrum engaging in it to create artificial majorities and maintain executive power. The result has been social and political instability, with a lack of trust in the political system and a lack of faith in the ability of political leaders to address the country's problems.

"The Influence of Tribal and Feudal Mindsets on Pakistani Politics"

Pakistan's political system has been plagued by corruption, with elected representatives using public funds for personal gain and engaging in bribery and excessive patronage. This has contributed to a culture of opportunism among politicians, who are willing to sell their loyalties and hold the executive hostage in order to extract concessions. This horse trading, or buying off of political loyalties, has undermined the ethical foundations of politics and contributed to social and political instability. The military and political oligarchies have also played a role in this decline, using their power to subordinate the country's vital institutions to their own personal interests and illegal means of accumulating wealth. As a result, the rule of law and democratic norms have been weakened, and non-state actors, including religious and political parties with militant wings, have gained influence in areas traditionally governed by the state.

"The Influence of Non-State Actors in Pakistan: A Result of Declining Trust in the State"

In Pakistan, non-state actors such as extremist or criminal groups have gained influence due to a lack of trust in state institutions to provide justice and maintain social order. These actors have taken on various forms and operate in different social and political domains, but all seek to exert control over state authority and resources. This can include obtaining extortion instead of state taxation, using informal means to resolve conflicts, and providing local security to affiliated members. The decline in faith in the state's ability to perform these functions is often due to the difficulty of accessing state resources or the costs associated with doing so, such as paying bribes or facing long delays in the justice system. The constitutional deviations by military and civilian oligarchies, as well as the subordination of the judiciary and other state institutions to personal power interests, have also contributed to the erosion of moral authority among ordinary citizens.

"The Misuse of Constitutional Power and Authority in Pakistani Politics"

 

 In Pakistan, the misuse of constitutional power and authority by party leaders and activists have contributed to a culture of dual standards and a perceived lack of accountability for the powerful and influential. This has sustained the dominance of traditional ruling groups, including the military, and has worked against the interests of the lower classes, leading to a retardation of social and political modernity among the majority of the population. The country's tilt toward the political right, as well as the rise of extremist ideas and groups, can also be traced back to a neglect of social development and the use of extremist groups as proxies in foreign wars. The manipulation of the electoral process and the disempowerment of caste and tribe-based voting blocs by the local elite network have further undermined the legitimacy of ruling oligarchies, leading to a growth in radical Islam and a decline in the mainstream political parties.

 There cannot be a bigger sign of bigotry in any society than when roughly one hundred thousand citizens turn out to attend the funeral of a convicted murderer guilty of killing a serving governor, Salman Taseer, of the most populous province. There is much deeper extremism prevalent that images on television and the printed word cannot capture. Moreover, the law and constitution cannot be used as effective tools to control or change the behaviour of groups involved in unlawful acts when the moral legitimacy of the ruling oligarchies is weak or non-existent and when the law and constitution have been reduced to mere personal will and subjected to narrow personal interests. The situation is further going bad by the fact that law is applied arbitrarily, as certain classes and groups remain above the law, and forces of law apply only to the weak. The law can only be respected when it is equitable and fair for all and delayed justice or reduced legal writ promotes extremism and militancy and further weakens the state apparatus.