Hold Your Fire!
Pakistan’s Political Standoff and Surging Militant Violence
Jul 12, 2024
Samina Ahmed, the South Asia project director at Crisis Group, dives into Pakistan's political storm, highlighting the tensions between Imran Khan and the military. She discusses Khan's surprising popularity even while incarcerated and his attempts to mend ties with the military amidst rising militant violence from the Pakistani Taliban. Additionally, they explore the escalating attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, the complex relationship with Afghanistan, and the delicate balance in Pakistan-India relations, emphasizing the need for political collaboration.
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Quick takeaways
- Imran Khan's political resilience amidst military tensions highlights the evolving relationship between politics and military power in Pakistan.
- The resurgence of militant violence, particularly from the Pakistani Taliban, complicates Pakistan's security landscape and regional relations.
Deep dives
Imran Khan's Political Resilience
Despite a significant crackdown by authorities, Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), managed to secure a large number of parliamentary seats in the February elections. This success can be attributed to Khan's enduring popularity, which motivated a robust voter turnout. Disillusionment with the traditional political parties further bolstered PTI's appeal, prompting the electorate to support a party perceived as a fresh alternative. The effective use of social media by PTI also played a critical role in mobilizing support, allowing the party to maintain visibility and engagement despite increased restrictions.
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