Islamabad, September 5 (Daily Kiran) : A recent report indicates that General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff in Pakistan, may be gaining international acceptance and support, but this cannot hide the country’s persistent domestic weaknesses. As Munir’s personal power increases, the successes and failures of Pakistan become increasingly linked to his leadership.
The report emphasizes that Pakistan’s economic troubles cannot simply be dismissed as a government issue anymore. Similarly, failures in internal security cannot be blamed solely on civilian administration, as the military’s influence over national security matters is extensive.
According to the “One World Outlook” report, political repression is gradually becoming associated with the Army Chief, who oversees the entire system. Pakistan remains economically constrained and politically fragmented. To project an image of stability, the country is increasingly relying on harsh measures, while extremism continues to pose a significant challenge in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces.
The report also notes that the relationship between Pakistan and Iran, while portrayed positively in official statements, is not as strong as it seems. Despite former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s imprisonment, he still retains political influence. Additionally, some decisions made within the military could increase the number of dissatisfied generals, which may pose a concern for Munir.
While the military’s strength can influence Pakistani politics, it cannot resolve the country’s fundamental issues. The report states, “Despite discussions on economic stability, Pakistan still heavily relies on external financial aid, remittances, and support from international institutions and allied nations.” The International Monetary Fund continues to demand reforms, as the underlying vulnerabilities that lead to repeated crises remain unaddressed.
Issues such as circular debt in the energy sector continue to pose significant challenges. The tax base is insufficient, there is a lack of diversity in exports, and foreign direct investment remains weak compared to the country’s needs. State-owned enterprises are consistently a burden on resources, and administrative issues make implementing reforms much more difficult than merely announcing them. This has led to an unusual political and economic situation.
The report highlights that while the Pakistani government has the power to imprison political opponents, it often falters when dealing with influential groups involved in tax evasion. It states, “Pakistan appears capable of controlling television channels, but struggles to prevent losses in the energy sector. It can allocate substantial resources to security, yet struggles to implement the institutional reforms necessary for long-term economic growth.”
Furthermore, the report underscores a crucial imbalance: tightly controlled systems cannot operate solely on repression; they also require performance-based legitimacy. If citizens perceive economic stability alongside political restrictions, the system can function. However, when political constraints coincide with inflation, unemployment, high taxes, expensive electricity, and deteriorating public services, greater repression becomes necessary to maintain control.
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