Didn’t mean to derail the thread, but since it came up, here are a few thoughts.
What’s happening isn’t just ironic, it’s a deep systemic contradiction. Many Pakistanis see it as a betrayal of the very principles the establishment claims to uphold.
Election Rigging: The military backed manipulation of the 2024 elections sidelined Imran Khan and PTI, favoring dynastic parties like PML-N through arrests, media control, and legal barriers.
Selective Accountability: While shielding corrupt elites like PML-N and PPP, the establishment aggressively pursued Khan with charges widely seen as politically motivated.
Weaponized Institutions: Bodies like NAB and segments of the judiciary have been used to silence Khan, while ignoring scandals involving establishment aligned figures.
Corruption Shielded: Instead of dismantling entrenched mafias, the establishment empowered them using selective justice to protect allies and punish dissenters.
Economic Mismanagement: Military interference in civilian governance blocked reforms, destabilized policy continuity, and eroded investor confidence.
Nationalism as Deflection: Anti India sentiment is often used to distract from internal failures. But genuine sovereignty demands internal reform not just external resistance.
Eroded Trust: This double standard has shattered the military’s image as a neutral guardian of national interest. It’s now viewed by many as a partisan power broker protecting its own turf.