Pakistan Competitive Exam

Institutional Conflicts

Pakistan has experienced several institutional conflicts within its political landscape, often characterized by power struggles, disputes over authority, and challenges to the separation of powers. Some of the key institutional conflicts in Pakistan politics include:

Civil-Military Relations: The relationship between the civilian government and the military has been a persistent source of conflict in Pakistan. The military has often wielded significant influence over the country's political affairs, leading to a history of military coups and interventions in the civilian government. Struggles for power and influence between the civilian and military institutions have at times undermined democratic processes and stability in the country.

Military Coups:

Pakistan has experienced several military coups, which have led to the overthrow of civilian governments and the imposition of military rule. These coups have often been driven by a perception of political instability, corruption, and governance failures, leading the military to intervene in the country's political affairs.

Political Interference:

The military has been accused of interfering in the political process and influencing electoral outcomes, often to safeguard its own interests or to maintain a particular political agenda. Such interference has raised concerns about the fairness and transparency of the electoral process and the democratic functioning of the state.

Civil-Military Imbalance:

Power struggles between the civilian government and the military have often created a sense of imbalance in the country's governance structure. The military's dominant role in decision-making processes and its influence over key policy areas have at times overshadowed the authority of the civilian government, leading to tensions and conflicts between these two key institutions.

National Security Concerns:

The military's perception of itself as the guardian of the nation's security has often led to conflicts with politicians over issues related to foreign policy, national security, and defense strategies. Differences in priorities and approaches to handling security challenges have occasionally created rifts between the military and civilian leadership.

Democratic Transitions:

Pakistan has faced challenges in achieving smooth transitions of power between civilian governments, with periods of democratic rule often punctuated by military interventions. Frequent interruptions in the democratic process have hindered the country's political stability and hindered the development of strong democratic institutions.

Judicial-Military Conflicts: Pakistan has witnessed conflicts between the judiciary and the military, particularly regarding issues of constitutional supremacy, human rights, and the rule of law. Instances of judicial activism, where the judiciary has sought to assert its authority over military actions or policies, have occasionally led to tensions between these two key institutions. The issues of missing persons and trial of civilian by the Military Court. The Supreme Court, in a short order, declared that such proceedings under the Army Act would be of no legal effect, with trials of some 103 people to move to civilian criminal courts in the month of Oct,2023.

Executive-Legislative Conflicts: Conflicts between the executive and legislative branches of the government have also been common in Pakistan. Disputes over policy priorities, legislative agendas, and the allocation of resources have occasionally led to political gridlock and challenges in implementing effective governance and policy reforms.

Federal-Provincial Conflicts: Pakistan's federal structure has at times led to conflicts between the federal government and provincial administrations. Disputes over the distribution of resources, provincial autonomy, and the implementation of national policies have created tensions between the federal and provincial authorities.

Media-Government Conflicts: Conflicts between the government and the media have arisen over issues related to press freedom, censorship, and the dissemination of information. Attempts by the government to control or regulate the media have been met with resistance from media organizations and journalists, leading to confrontations and challenges to freedom of expression.

Addressing institutional conflicts in Pakistan requires a commitment to strengthening democratic norms, promoting transparency and accountability, and upholding the principles of the rule of law. Fostering a culture of dialogue, consensus-building, and mutual respect among key institutions is crucial for ensuring political stability, good governance, and the protection of democratic institutions in the country. Promoting a balanced distribution of power, fostering a culture of institutional independence, and respecting the rule of law can help mitigate conflicts and promote a more inclusive and stable political environment in Pakistan.
back to top