Pakistan Elections: The United States Factor

Summary Points:

1. Political Shift: Shehbaz Sharif's reappointment as Prime Minister following political turmoil and controversial elections marks a significant turn in Pakistan's political landscape, emphasizing the military's enduring influence.

2. Election Controversy: The 2024 elections, marred by allegations of rigging and army intervention, questioned the democratic integrity of the electoral process, with major global powers, including the US, expressing concerns over the fairness and transparency of the elections.

3. Imran Khan's Ouster: The removal of Imran Khan through a no-confidence vote in April 2022 and subsequent legal and political challenges against him highlight deep political divisions and the role of external influences in Pakistan’s internal affairs.

4. International Reaction: The international community, including the US, EU, and UN, criticized the election process and called for investigations into alleged irregularities, reflecting concerns over democracy and governance in Pakistan.

5. US-Pakistan Relations: The relationship between the US and Pakistan experienced strains under Imran Khan's leadership, especially concerning Afghanistan and Khan's foreign policy moves towards Russia and China. The change in leadership is expected to stabilize bilateral relations.

Additional Information to Remember:

• Military's Role in Politics: The Pakistan Army's historical role as a pivotal power broker in the country’s political affairs is crucial, often influencing election outcomes and governance.

• Strategic Importance of Pakistan: Pakistan's geopolitical position and its relationships with key global players like the US, China, and Russia make it a significant country in regional and international politics.

• Public Sentiment and Civil Unrest: The widespread public protests and civil unrest following the 2021 coup and subsequent elections underscore the growing demand for genuine democracy and civil liberties in Pakistan.

• Impact on US Foreign Policy: Pakistan's political stability and governance model have broader implications for US foreign policy, especially in relation to counterterrorism efforts, regional stability in South Asia, and competition with China.

• Diaspora's Influence: The Pakistani diaspora, particularly in the US, plays a notable role in influencing both domestic politics in Pakistan and Pakistan's foreign relations, including lobbying efforts and public demonstrations.

Title : Myanmar: Pakistan Elections: The United States Factor

Author : Priyanka Singh

Publication Date : 26 March 2024

URL : Originally published by Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (www.idsa.in) at Pakistan Elections: The United States Factor | Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (idsa.in)