Current Political Situation in Pakistan

Pakistan's political history is multifaceted and frequently unstable. It is a South Asian nation. The nation has gone through numerous political upheavals over the years, ranging from military coups to civilian rulers. We'll give a general summary of Pakistan's political landscape in this article, highlighting the key figures and issues.

In simple words, it is said that Pakistan got independence in 1947 from the British Empire but there have been major forces i.e. military controlling Pakistan's progress and political stabilities. We are still not independent as a nation if we look around for our rights. 

 

Overview of the current political issues

 

Pakistan is currently experiencing a severe economic crisis. Imran Khan, the nation's former prime minister, is still battling for the rights of Pakistanis, and his followers are holding protests all over the nation after he was charged in the Toshakhana case for retaining significant gifts and cash for his use. Toshakhana, the nation's significant treasury, is a gift from other nations presented to the Prime Minister. No one is allowed to use these gifts for their gain. Because these gifts are not offered for personal gain but rather for use in the development and progress of the country. Any leader who wants to accept those presents must pay the price difference.

Every country must have to stop the misuse of gifts and issues with their political and economic systems.

Currently, Pakistan is going through an economic crisis. Imran Khan was ousted as prime minister in a no-confidence vote in 2022, and Shahbaz Sharif was chosen as Pakistan's new leader. Early this year, the PMLN government made public the list of Toshakhana presents that Imran Khan had received. It was uncovered that he got presents from foreign countries worth millions of worth, and he utilized every single one of them to further his interests and the interests of his party leaders until he was supposedly notified to arrest him and defend his rights in Court.

 

Economical and Political Instability:

 

When Imran Khan, the former prime minister, was ousted from power in a vote of no confidence in the Pakistan National Assembly, Pakistan went through an assortment of political and economic crises. Around the nation, this political chaos resulted in economic loss. 

Due to economic struggles and being in a poor state, Pakistan is experiencing unrest to meet basic food needs. The public is having difficulty getting access to flour, and the uneven distribution and rising prices are upsetting middle-class families. Wheat Price in Pakistan has increased more than 70% in the past years. Due to their interests, large stockers in Pakistan blocked the wheat market, severely limiting the countryside. The People are fighting for flour and there is no reliable electricity and petrol prices are rising day after day. The dollar is unstable and Pakistan's Currency is falling day by day losing its identity.

Despite all of this, the Punjab elections have had multiple dates revised since the Punjab Assembly was dissolved in early January of this year, making it difficult for our government to set an election date, though as of right now, May 14 has been set as the official election date in Punjab.

 

Military Involvement in Politics:

Pakistan's military involvement in politics has a complicated history. With times of martial law and military dictatorships, the military has directly ruled the nation throughout a huge portion of its history. Nonetheless, there have also been moments of civilian government, albeit with strong involvement in the conflict in the background.

 

There have been attempts in recent years to improve political processes and limit the influence of the military in politics. Yet, the military continues to have enormous authority and power in Pakistan, particularly concerning matters of foreign and domestic policy.

 

It's important to note that Pakistanis have different viewpoints on the military's involvement in politics. While some consider military engagement in politics as a barrier to democracy and advancement, others see it as a stabilizing force that may assist defend the nation from external threats.

 

Pakistan Military never let the government of Pakistan progress in the field of economics and politics, we have always been fooled in the name of aid from the IMF as 18-20% of our budget is invested in military purposes.

 

Corruption in Politics:

 

It is important to keep in mind that any funding received by Pakistan from foreign governments or organizations must be set to use for the projects for which it was intended, such as development or humanitarian aid. There should be investigations and accountability measures in place to handle any allegations regarding corruption or the misuse of resources.

If we look at the background of Pakistan, many political leaders and militaries misuse the funds that were received by the world bank and by the IMF( International Monetary Fund). Pakistan has been dependent on the aid that was given to Pakistan to improve its economic stability.

 

In just one year Pakistan's currency has fallen to an all-time 40% and reached 288 Rupees as of April 5th, 2023. Due to losses caused by power cuts and instability in power parties between PMLN and PTI and PPP Pakistan has lost its GDP to 4%.

Despite receiving the most funds around the world Pakistan still lags. Because these funds were never used in aid and country economies. 

 

As you know, the history of Prime Ministers in Pakistan has been a nightmare for everyone, no prime minister in Pakistan has completed a tenure of 5 years. Because of this Pakistan has been dependent on military forces. According to estimated figures, the wealth of the General Bajwa family has been more than 1270 crores, how a military man can get so much from just Army?

Military and corrupt politics both have been part of the disastrous result of our economy as the Military used our sources of funds in the name of defense but started its own business of Real Estate and manufacturing industries of cement and many others.

 

 

In Pakistan's history, there have been three instances of martial law. President Iskander Mirza enacted the nation's first martial law in 1958, which resulted in the selection of General Ayub Khan as its first military ruler.

 

After political turbulence and societal disturbance, General Yahya Khan enacted the second martial law in 1969. The Bangladesh Liberation War, which culminated in this era, led to East Pakistan's secession and eventual independence as Bangladesh.

 

Following a coup d'état against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's administration, General Pervez Musharraf enacted the third and most current martial law in 1999. Musharraf governed as a military dictator until 2008 when he was forced to step down as a result of intense political pressure and widespread protests.

 

How to Stable Our Political Situation?

 

It is said that Pakistan's political history has been on the edge of destruction. In the upcoming elections, it will be observed who will rule Pakistan for the next 5 years, as our economy and politics will be under stress till elections and no one will change us, we have to fight for our rights.

Promote and support democratic institutions including free and fair elections, independent media, and a separate judiciary. This may support the political system's goals of increasing openness, responsibility, and stability.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, bringing Pakistan's political situation under control is a difficult task that calls for a multifaceted strategy. To support stability and lessen political unrest, it is crucial to encourage democratic values, cut down on corruption, boost economic growth, deal with regional conflicts, enhance education, and promote political discussion. But, bringing about long-lasting change will call for a concerted effort from all parties involved, including the international community, the government, and civil society. A stable, democratic political system that benefits all Pakistanis can be established with focused effort and adherence to these steps.