US Political Manipulation Challenge Democracy in Pakistan Amid Election Campaign

In another setback for Imran Khan and his party, the former premier and his wife Bushra Bibi were recently sentenced to 14 years in jail in the Toshakhana reference.

However, media reports had previously indicated that Imran Khan and his party would face significant challenges due to their policies and statements against the US and the West. Khan openly criticized the US and its involvement in Pakistan's politics, alleging that it aimed to maintain a hegemonic role in South Asia by controlling Pakistan's state.

Thus, after being removed from power, Imran Khan asserted that his removal was the outcome of a foreign conspiracy, singling out the United States of America.

Challenges to Democracy in Pakistan

Nonetheless, in a true democracy, power lies with the people, and free and fair elections ensure that everyone can participate and that the process is equitable for all. Thus, the current situation in Pakistan portrays a different reality.

"While Pakistan technically fulfils the minimalist definition of democracy by holding regular elections, its current state falls far short of even being considered an illiberal democracy or weak democracy," Dr Fizza Batool, a policy analyst & South Asian expert told Sputnik.

"The pre-election targeting of Nawaz Sharif and his family in 2018, followed by similar tactics against Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi, suggests a pattern orchestrated by powerful, unelected forces. This manipulation traps Pakistan in a cycle of manipulated competition, hindering genuine democratic progress," she further said.

"Pakistan is going through one of the worst political turmoil. Given the current scenario, it will be difficult for any party to get majority and form a government without any coalition but still we hope for better," Dr Aamna Khan, a Qatar-based political analyst told Sputnik India.

On the other side, the irony is that in the season of election campaign, candidates and members of PTI face a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. Just recently, a bomb blast occurred during a PTI (Jalsa) election campaign in Sibi, Balochistan, resulting in the tragic deaths of four PTI workers and injuring six others. Additionally, on Wednesday, PTI key leader and candidate Rehan Zeb Khan was fatally shot in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur district.

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan, right, and Bushra Bibi his wife, talk to the media before signing documents to submit surety bond over his bails in different cases, at an office of Lahore High Court in Lahore, Pakistan, Monday, July 17, 2023.

Imran Khan's Opposition to US Policy and the Pakistani Establishment's Retaliation

Over the years, PTI and its leaders oppose US policies in Pakistan, alleging that the Pakistani establishment is colluding with foreign forces to install a government backed by a foreign power.

Despite facing various legal cases and receiving prison sentences, including a ten and fourteen-year term for Khan and the PTI vice chairperson, the main case leading to the government's downfall was the Cipher Case, where Khan disclosed secret interactions and documents between the US and Pakistan.

For this regard, one of the political analysts, exiled senior journalist and PTI member told Sputnik India on condition of anonymity.

“From the Cold War to the fall of Kabul 2021, the US and its allies have played a dominant role in Pakistani politics and regional decision-making. However, when Imran Khan assumed leadership, he sought to curb foreign influence and establish an independent foreign policy that prioritized the country's sovereignty," he said.

"It is this pursuit that has led to his current imprisonment and crackdown against PTI leaders. Khan has also claimed credit for exposing the United States and its questionable practices within Pakistani politics," he added.

Nexus among IMF funds, US and Pakistan’s Politics

Nevertheless, Pakistan's institutional history reveals a reliance on funds from the IMF, Asian Development Bank, World Bank, and Gulf countries during periods of economic turmoil, seeking support for stability which are directly and indirectly connected with the US and its allies.

“Right now, Pakistan's economy is again confronting significant challenges. The new government will need to secure another loan from the International Monetary Fund, likely requiring tough measures such as subsidy cuts, tax increases, and interest rate hikes," a exiled political analyst told Sputnik News.

“Furthermore, maintaining positive relations with both China for essential investment and the US, while seeking improved ties, adds to the complexity,” he further added.

The question arises: how can there be fair and free elections in a democratic state where the largest party is not allowed to contest elections and popular leaders are jailed?

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