Pakistan's Security Situation

 Future Over the borderline: on Pakistan and its security situation with Afghanistan:

Security situation in the country's border region with Afghanistan since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021. This attack killed 54 people and injured over 200.

 Pakistan supported various Islamist extremist groups for its geopolitical goals. Pakistan maintained a complex relationship with them, playing both sides. This strategy has now led to radicalized youth in the Afg-Pak region and security threats to Pakistan.

Pakistan At a Dangerous Crossroads:

The arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on corruption charges sparked widespread protests and revealed concerns about institutional instability. The army labeled the day as a 'Black Day'. Khan was granted bail, the crackdown on protesters continues. Khan has become more aggressive, accusing the Army Chief of undermining democracy. The crisis reflects growing tensions and damage to the military's image in Pakistan.

Lingering Resentment:

Resentment towards the Pakistani Army stems from its long history of unconstitutional involvement in politics, acknowledged even by former Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa. The military's interference has taken various forms, eroding institutional boundaries, and politicians have sometimes yielded to it due to their own weaknesses. Public resentment persists as a critical issue.

Transition from Cold Anger to Hot Rage:

After being ousted due to bad governance, former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gained massive public support. He received backing from military veterans and tapped into anti-military sentiment with verbal attacks on military leaders. However, his arrest on corruption charges shifted public anger from cold to hot rage, marking a significant development.

Escalating Crises in Pakistan:

The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan led to violent protests, highlighting multiple crises in Pakistan. Economic hardships, political polarization, and security concerns compounded public frustration. Limited civil liberties, restrictions on freedom of expression, and rising inflation fueled public anger. The military, facing a rare internal challenge, risks eroding public trust, potentially leading to instability. Resolution requires fair elections, the military's withdrawal from politics, and international engagement to uphold human rights and political participation.

Conclusion:

Pakistan faces a crisis with a clash between public aspirations and military influence, jeopardizing democracy. The solution involves fair elections, military withdrawal from politics, parliamentary supremacy, and international support for human rights and inclusive politics. Pakistan needs to stop differentiating between Islamist militants as "good terrorists" and "bad terrorists" based on its geopolitical interests.