External factors in democratic transition in Pakistan in 2008: an analysis of the US supporting role

Saba Ali

doi:10.47264/idea.lassij/8.2.7

Authors

Saba Ali Department of Politics and International Relations, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8198-7504

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.lassij/8.2.7

Keywords:

Military rule, Democracy, Democratic transition, War on terror, Emergency rule, Lawyers movement, Political consensus, Independence of judiciary, NRO

Abstract

The political history of Pakistan has seen ephemeral intervals of democratic rule while protracted periods of military rule. A landmark development happened when a peaceful democratic transition from the authoritarian rule of General Musharraf was held in 2008. The internal factors for this transition were an independent judiciary, vibrant media, civil society, and political consensus between major political parties. This article meticulously investigates the significant role of the US as an external factor in supporting the democratic transition in Pakistan in 2008. Data is collected from secondary sources like newspapers, journal articles, books, and websites. The US supported General Musharraf's regime as part of its war on terror strategy but also urged him publicly to restore democracy. The Bush administration encouraged negotiation between Benazir Bhutto and General Musharraf and supported a political reconciliation between them, which shaped the politics of Pakistan in a new direction. When General Musharraf adopted authoritarian means, the US pressured him to democratise by different means to reinforce its interest in counterterrorism. Under heavy pressure, General Musharraf resigned as army chief and lifted the state of emergency. Later, he resigned from the presidency to escape the humiliation of impeachment, and democracy was restored in Pakistan.

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