Power and Paradox: PTI’s Contentious Engagement with Pakistan’s Institutional Pillars (2018–2022)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58932/MULA0054Keywords:
Civil-Military Relations, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-PTI, Military Establishment, Evolutionary Dynamics, Institutional PillarsAbstract
For decades, Pakistan's political dynamics have been shaped by the relationship between the elected civilian government and the state’s other institutions, a cornerstone of the country's political direction. The struggle for political dominance among various entities has also impacted political parties' policies. The most contemporary circumstance of such a battle is the case of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which emerged as a populist force under Imran Khan's leadership in 2018, but its clash with the state’s institutions erupted in 2022. PTI initially benefitted from the state’s institutional patronage, gaining credibility and influence. However, this relationship was strained by policy failures, including economic difficulties and other governance issues, which caused the institutions to withdraw their support, contributing to PTI's decline. This research explores the PTI's track, focusing on the challenges of maintaining civilian government and the reliance on institutional and bureaucratic support. Adopting a descriptive approach of the qualitative method, the study draws on theories of civil-military relations and populism to evaluate tensions underlying PTI's shifting trajectory and analyse the contributing elements to PTI's ascent and subsequent decline. Authors of this article examined wider ramifications for Pakistan's political stability and democratic processes and analysed the discrepancies between PTI's political strategies, governance outcomes, and the institutions’ changing priorities based on national interest. The study ensures diverse insights into PTI's relationship with the state’s institutions and the broader political landscape.
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