Fact Check: "Military establishment reduced PML-N and PPP to mere political appendages."
What We Know
The claim that the military establishment has reduced the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) to mere political appendages is rooted in the ongoing political dynamics in Pakistan. The military has historically played a significant role in the country's politics, often acting as a kingmaker or directly influencing civilian governments. Recent events have highlighted this relationship, particularly in the context of the political struggles involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
According to a Brookings article, the current government, led by the PML-N, appears to be acting in concert with the military against the PTI. This collaboration suggests that the military continues to exert considerable influence over political decisions, effectively sidelining other parties, including the PML-N and PPP, in favor of its own agenda. The article notes that the PML-N has become a "junior partner" to the military, indicating a shift in power dynamics where the military is the primary decision-maker.
Additionally, a Carnegie Endowment report discusses how the military's interventions have disrupted democratic processes, reinforcing the notion that civilian parties like the PML-N and PPP are operating under military oversight rather than as independent political entities. This has led to a perception that these parties are merely fulfilling roles assigned by the military rather than pursuing their own political agendas.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is substantial, particularly when considering the historical context of military involvement in Pakistani politics. The military's influence is not merely anecdotal; it is documented in various analyses of Pakistan's political landscape. For instance, the Wikipedia entry on the political unrest from 2022 to 2024 outlines how the military has been involved in key political events, including the ousting of Imran Khan and the subsequent political maneuvers by the PML-N and PPP.
However, it is essential to critically assess the reliability of the sources. The Brookings article is authored by Madiha Afzal, a fellow at the Foreign Policy program, which lends it credibility due to her expertise in South Asian politics. Similarly, the Carnegie Endowment is a reputable think tank known for its research on global affairs. On the other hand, while Wikipedia can be a useful starting point, it is not always a reliable source due to its open-edit nature.
Moreover, the claim that the military has reduced these parties to appendages may oversimplify the complexities of Pakistani politics. While the military's influence is undeniable, both the PML-N and PPP have historically maintained significant political bases and have engaged in electoral politics, suggesting that they are not entirely subservient to military interests. The Diplomat article highlights that the power struggle among these parties continues, indicating that they still possess agency, albeit limited.
Conclusion
The claim that the military establishment has reduced the PML-N and PPP to mere political appendages is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence that the military exerts significant influence over these parties, particularly in the context of recent political events, it is also important to recognize that these parties retain some degree of political agency. The dynamics of power in Pakistan are complex, and while the military plays a dominant role, the PML-N and PPP are not entirely devoid of influence or autonomy.
