A report criticises Pakistan’s civilian leadership, alleging growing military influence, political subordination, economic hardship, corruption and public frustration amid Independence Day celebrations, while questioning democratic governance and the country’s political direction.
Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day celebrations have come under sharp criticism from a report that questioned the state of democracy, civilian governance and political freedom in the country. The report by the International Centre for Peace Studies said public enthusiasm appeared muted amid economic hardship, corruption, rising prices, higher taxes, security concerns and continued political tensions.
According to the report, many Pakistani citizens are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a widening gap between the ruling elite and ordinary people. It argued that while political leaders continue to hold constitutional positions, the military establishment has gained substantial influence over the country’s political system.
The report drew comparisons between Pakistan’s current situation and the circumstances surrounding its creation in 1947. It argued that despite the country having achieved independence and established a separate state, many citizens continue to face serious political, economic and social challenges.
“Pakistan recently celebrated its 79th Independence Day,” the report said, urging reflection on the country’s achievements since Partition. It claimed that Pakistan had reached a crossroads similar to 1947, but under significantly more difficult circumstances.
A major focus of the report was the perceived influence of the military establishment over civilian institutions. It specifically highlighted the roles of Army Chief Asim Munir, President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during the August 14 celebrations in Islamabad.
The report noted that the prominent political and military figures attending the event largely represented Punjab and criticised what it described as the limited representation of leaders from Pakistan’s other three provinces. According to the report, the composition of the event contributed to the perception that the military establishment had overshadowed the civilian character of the Independence Day programme.
The report also sharply criticised President Asif Ali Zardari’s address, particularly his remarks concerning Army Chief Asim Munir. It alleged that Zardari publicly praised the army chief to an extent that demonstrated the dependence of Pakistan’s civilian leadership on military support.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was similarly criticised. The report argued that both the president and prime minister appeared focused on maintaining close relations with the military establishment rather than presenting a clear political vision or roadmap for addressing Pakistan’s domestic challenges.
According to the report, this situation reflects what it described as the subordination of civilian political institutions to the military establishment. It further argued that political leaders were prioritising political survival and maintaining the military’s confidence over protecting the independence and dignity of constitutional offices.
The report also raised concerns over Pakistan’s continuing internal security problems and the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. It suggested that these issues have contributed to public frustration and reinforced perceptions that the country’s political system remains deeply polarised.
Economic difficulties were another major concern highlighted in the report. Rising prices, increased taxation and broader financial pressures have placed significant burdens on ordinary Pakistanis, while the report alleged that political and institutional elites continue to enjoy greater economic and political privileges.
The report questioned whether Pakistan’s civilian leadership has been able to provide effective solutions to these problems. It argued that the political leadership has failed to present a convincing domestic strategy for restoring stability, improving economic conditions and strengthening democratic institutions.
It also criticised the government’s efforts to portray Pakistan as a potential global peacemaker while domestic challenges remain unresolved. According to the report, international diplomatic initiatives cannot substitute for addressing political instability, economic distress and internal security concerns.
The report described the current political arrangement as a form of “hybridity”, alleging that civilian institutions formally remain in place while the military establishment exercises decisive influence behind the scenes.
It went on to argue that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s political approach could establish a troubling precedent if civilian authority continues to be surrendered to military influence. The report characterised this development as a de facto military-controlled state apparatus and accused the political leadership of reducing democracy to a “joke”.
| Also Read: Report Flags Risks for Bangladesh in Joining Mecca Pact |
The assessment ultimately called for greater civilian authority, stronger democratic institutions and political accountability. Its criticism reflects wider debates over the balance between elected governments and the military establishment in Pakistan, as well as the country’s continuing economic and political challenges.
While the report presents a strongly critical assessment of Pakistan’s governance, its observations highlight continuing questions about the strength of civilian institutions, public confidence in political leadership and the future direction of democracy in the country.
