The podcast episode titled “Defense Expert Qamar Agha on Pakistan election, 2024” was hosted by Forum for Global Studies, a Delhi based multidisciplinary thinktank. Dr Sandeep Tripathi moderated the session and the talk featured Qamar Agha, a notable defense Expert. The discussion focused on Pakistan’s Election 2024.
Dr Tripathi opened the discussion by questioning the role of the Pakistani Army in Pakistan’s politics. Mr Agha explained the stature Pakistani Army holds as the guardian of the nation. He elaborated the origin of Pakistan on the religious foundation and the ethnic identity dominating its religious identity and the role the army plays to reestablish the religious foundation. He further talks about the independence of Bangladesh and the two-state theory, synergizing the ongoing ethnic crisis in Baluchistan and Pakistan to the erstwhile Bangladesh and Pakistan. Mr Agha walked through the developments in Pakistan after the independence and the incorporation of Sindh, Baloch, Pashtun with Pakistan. He explained the geographical benefits in the region of Punjab and its development over other regions. He further elucidated on the rapid Islamization in Pakistan in the advent of its partition, especially in the reign of Zia Ul Haq.
Furthermore, Mr. Agha talked about USA’s vision of playing Islam against Communism to defeat the latter, leading to eventual disintegration of the Soviet Union. He explained the history of clashes between Pakistan and USA, the militancy and armed conflict involved in their rivalry. He drew a synergy between the militant groups and army, highlighting the monetary linkages between the organizations. He talked about the involvement of the army in domestic Pakistan’s politics and how the army is an important institution in the country. Furthermore, Dr Tripathi questioned the legitimacy of upcoming elections in Pakistan. Mr Agha explained the role in electing the government and the dominance Pakistan army has over the elected government. Mr Agha stated the inefficiency of Pakistan’s army not only in the domestic sphere but also in geopolitics, conspicuous particularly after August 2023 elections. He elaborated on Imran Khan’s (former PM of Pakistan) popularity in Pakistan. He explained the strong support base for Imran Khan, especially among the youth and urban middle class, who view him as a symbol of change and anti-corruption.
He mentioned his campaign focused on anti-corruption, economic reform, and creating a welfare state. Mr Agha highlighted the challenges faced by Imran Khan such as economic difficulties, political instability, and his confrontational approach towards political opponents and the military establishment contribute to a divided public opinion. Mr Agha also discussed Pakistan’s policy shift from pro-America to pro-China, and the subsequent changes. Later, Dr Tripathi raised concern over the success of the upcoming elections and the subsequent change in political dynamics of Pakistan. Following this, Mr Agha explained the ongoing political turmoil, economic crisis, separatist movements and their cumulative effect on power dynamics of Pakistan, furthermore mentioned the linkages between separatist groups and cross border militant organizations, leading to instability in Pakistan. He also described the stressed relations between Pakistan and its Arabian allies further exacerbating the tensions. To the end of the podcast both the scholars discussed the impact of Pakistan’s upcoming elections not only in the domestic arena but also in global affairs, impacting not only the regional stability in Asia but also around the world.