Fact Check: Pakistan's current regime is the third 'hybrid regime' since Khan's ouster.

Fact Check: "Pakistan's current regime is the third 'hybrid regime' since Khan's ouster."

What We Know

The term "hybrid regime" in Pakistan refers to periods where both democratic and authoritarian elements coexist, often characterized by military influence over civilian governance. Since the ousting of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in April 2022, Pakistan has experienced significant political turmoil. Following Khan's removal, the current regime has been described as the third iteration of a hybrid regime, following earlier ones during the tenures of General Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf (source-5, source-7).

The military's role in politics has been a consistent theme in Pakistan's history, with the military establishment exerting substantial influence over political processes. The recent elections in 2024 have been marked by allegations of manipulation and control by the military, further solidifying the characterization of the current regime as a hybrid one (source-1, source-2).

Analysis

The claim that Pakistan's current regime is the third hybrid regime since Khan's ouster is supported by multiple credible sources. The Defence Minister of Pakistan has explicitly stated that the current political setup is indeed the third hybrid regime following Khan's removal, which aligns with the historical context of military influence in Pakistan (source-5, source-7).

The historical overview provided in various analyses indicates that Pakistan has oscillated between civilian rule and military control, with the military often engineering political outcomes to maintain its influence (source-2, source-3). The current regime's reliance on military support and the manipulation of electoral processes further corroborate the classification of the regime as hybrid.

Critically, while the sources cited are reputable and provide a comprehensive view of the political landscape, it is essential to note that discussions surrounding military influence in Pakistan can be politically charged. However, the consistency of the narrative across multiple independent analyses lends credibility to the assertion that the current regime is indeed a hybrid one.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Pakistan's current regime is the third hybrid regime since Imran Khan's ouster is substantiated by credible sources and aligns with the historical context of military involvement in Pakistan's governance. The explicit acknowledgment by government officials and the analysis of recent political events confirm the characterization of the current regime as a hybrid one.

Fact Check: Pakistan's current regime is the third 'hybrid regime' since Khan's ouster.