From Bhutto to Imran Khan: how the Pakistan soldiers checked the civilian narrative

Last update: May 11, 2025, 03:39 IST

Since its independence in 1947, the Pakistani army has been directing the country directly for more than three decades and has exerted significant influence even during civil regimes.

A look back on the turbulent political history of the Pakistans marked by repeated military kicks. (AFP)

The spotlights are again on the Pakistan soldiers in the middle of increased tensions with India, after the fatal terrorist attack at Cashmirs Pahalgam, which made 26 lives. In response, India launched the Sindoor operation, making precision strikes on the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and the cashmere occupied by Pakistan (Pok).

While cease-fire negotiations took shape, the observers quickly noted the disproportionate role of the military establishment of the Pakistans in the direction of strategic and political decisions during the moments of national crisis, a scheme deeply rooted in the history of the country.

Pakistan has witnessed a tumultuous political history, interrupted several times by military control. Since its independence in 1947, the Pakistani army has been directing the country directly for more than three decades and has exerted significant influence even during civil regimes.

The abolition of Imran Khan

Imran Khan, once praised as the candidate favored by the military, was ousted from power in April 2022 by a vote without confidence in the Pakistant Parliament. Although the elimination is technically democratic, it was widely considered to be behind the scenes by powerful military countries.

After years of worried alliance, the army would have withdrawn Khan on increasing tensions, political disagreements and its increasingly combative tone towards higher generals. His public criticisms of the army, formerly considered untouchable, have further deepened the rift and contributed to his political fall.

Khans' move has followed a familiar scheme in the political history of the Pakistans. Since independence, the successive prime ministers, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, faced imprisonment, exile or execution after having fought with army management.

Even the former military leader Pervez Musharraf, once in control of the state, spent his last years in exile and died abroad. In Pakistan, the army not only organized official coups, but has also repeatedly influenced the regime changes within the framework of the scenario, which has never finished a full five -year term.

Here is a glance every time the Pakistani army overthrew an elected government: 1958: First Pakistan military coup

In October 1958, President Iskander Mirza repealed the Constitution and declared the martial law, appointing General Ayub Khan as head of martial law administrator. A few days later, Ayub Khan deposited Mirza and took control of the government. This marked the first time that the Pakistani army seized the direct power, starting an 11 -year rule under Ayub Khan.

1977: General ZIA-UL-HAQ overturned Zulfikar Ali BHUTTO

On July 5, 1977, General ZIA-UL-HAQ led a blow against the primary minister at the time, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, citing political instability and the rigged elections. Bhutto was arrested and executed later following a controversial trial. Zia imposed martial law and ruled Pakistan until his death in a plane crash in 1988.

1999: General Pervez Musharraf overturns Nawaz Sharif

On October 12, 1999, General Pervez Musharraf organized a bloodless coup against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after Sharif tried to reject him and refuse his plane rights. The soldiers arrested the Prime Minister and suspended the Constitution. Musharraf ruled Pakistan until 2008, initially as managing director and later as president.

Military influence beyond coups d'etat

Although it is official coups, the Pakistani army continued to exercise significant power behind the scenes, influencing foreign policy, national security and even civilian political transitions. From the supervision of judicial verdicts to support for certain political parties, its role remains deeply anchored in Pakistan governance.

Posted for the first time: Bhutto News World to Imran Khan: how the Pakistan soldiers checked the civilian narrative

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