The nature of democracy in Pakistan has been under the circle of controversies and doubts for a long time. After 2 consecutive elections in the last decade, there was a possibility of flourishing democracy in the neighboring country too. But it could not last long. Imran Khan’s party could not be released from jail even after getting the most seats. Due to targeting the Pakistani army, he was implicated in such a way that he might never come out of jail. Under the leadership of PM Shahbaz Sharif, democracy was left in Pakistan to say at least at least.
But the way Army Chief Asim Munir has become stronger in the last few months, democracy of showing has also been going to this country. But after the honor of US President Donald Trump to Pakistani Field Marshal, Munir’s feet are not going to fall on the ground. It is obvious that now even democracy of showing will not survive in Pakistan, in today’s date, Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, are the highest power centers to control the politics and policies of the country. A powerful country like America also thought it appropriate to talk to Munir without Pak PM. Now Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif is only a nominal leader like a puppet.
Since the establishment of Pakistan, the army has played an important role in the politics of the country. In 1958, from Ayub Khan’s military coup to Pervez Musharraf’s rule, the army has repeatedly disrupted democratic processes. In recent decades, even though direct military rule has decreased, the influence of the army did not decrease. An example of this is an example of the no -confidence motion against Imran Khan’s government in 2022, which is considered by the army by many analysts.
1- Shahbaz Sharif, silence of a weak Prime Minister
On social media too, an X post about Shahbaz Sharif is viral, which has been said that Shahbaz Sharif has been kept by the Pakistani army only to catch the bowl, the rest of the deal meets Army chief Aseem Munir himself. This shows the feeling of the public that Shahbaz’s rule depends only on the will of military leadership.
Shahbaz Sharif, who became the Prime Minister of Pakistan after the 2024 general elections, is considered to be the choice of the army. Shahbaz’s party, PML-N, formed a coalition government with the support of the army, even though Imran Khan’s PTI won the most seats. This situation makes it clear that Shahbaz’s becoming Prime Minister was less than the mandate and more than military intervention. But in today’s date, the way the US has given themselves to Asim Munir, Sharif is feeling troublesome. It can be seen in such a way that Shahbaz has not commented on the meeting of Munir and Trump in America. Not only this, his tweeter handle is also silent.
But Shahbaz has already been destroyed. This was seen many times, which made it seemed that he is only a leader of a show. For example, during India’s Operation Sindoor in May 2025, Shahbaz admitted that Army Chief Aseem Munir informed him at 2:30 pm that Indian missiles had attacked Noor Khan Airbase. It shows that Shahbaz’s role in important military and national security decisions is negligible. In addition, giving a fake photo gift to Aseem Munir by Shahbaz, presented as Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsus, weakened his credibility.
2- America’s confession: Army is the real power
The US, which has long been a strategic partner of Pakistan for a long time, has also indirectly acknowledged that military leadership in Pakistan is the center of real power. Recently, when there were rumors that Asim Munir was invited to the US Army Day Parade, the US denied it. Despite this, Pakistani-Americans in Washington DC staged protests against Munir, demanding democracy restoration. This protest shows that the international community is also recognizing the supremacy of the army in Pakistan.
America’s relations with Pakistan are complicated in such a way that it is difficult to understand. On the one hand, America wants cooperation from Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, but on the other hand it is worried about the political intervention of the Pakistani army. People have been saying long ago that in Pakistan, three A important one Allah, the second Army and the third America. Once the same story is being repeated.
The international community, especially America, has given silent approval to military domination in Pakistan, as it meets their interests for anti -terrorism and regional stability. However, this acceptance is harmful to democracy. Shahbaz Sharif’s nominal role and the dominance of infinite Munir is proof that military power in the country is fully controlling civil rule.
The silence of the US and other international powers has made this situation more complicated. The restoration of democracy not only requires internal reforms, but also international pressure is necessary to limit the political intervention of the army. The release and independent elections of leaders like Imran Khan can be the first step in this direction. However, until the army is ready to give up its power, true democracy will remain a distant dream in Pakistan.
3. Fall of democracy, Imran Khan’s case
The example of Imran Khan is important to understand the situation of democracy in Pakistan. In 2022, his government was removed through a no -confidence motion, which was widely considered by the army. Subsequently, strict action was taken against PTI, including arrest of party leaders and repression on supporters. A New York Times report stated that PTI supporters criticized Munir and Shahbaz via a digital billboard at Times Square, New York, called him a fraud and thief. It is clear that despite the attempt to suppress PTI, the spirit of Pakistanis who oppose the Pak army are maintained.
Imran Khan also announced a nationwide movement from jail, and a senior PTI leader, Gauhar Ali Khan claimed that Khan may be released on 11 June 2025, but all this is only an attempt to maintain a hope among the workers. Munir has become stronger after returning from America. The supporters of Lok Tantra are sure to be suppressed.
4. Geo-political impact and regional instability
The influence of military domination in Pakistan is not limited to internal politics only; It also affects regional and global stability. In May 2025, India’s Operation Sindoor highlighted Pakistan’s military and political weaknesses. Shahbaz Sharif admitted that India thwarted Pakistan’s planned attack, which reflects the strategic failure of military leadership.
In addition, Shahbaz Sharif supported Iran in the Iran-Israel struggle and demanded action against Israel from the international community. This step was not possible without the approval of military leadership, as the army has a profound impact on Pakistan’s foreign policy. People on social media are saying that Shahbaz Sharif is supporting Iran on Danke’s injury, but Munir is meeting Trump in America.