Democracy on Paper, Authoritarianism in Practice
Pakistan presents itself as a democracy—but beneath the surface lies a deeply entrenched authoritarian system. Power is concentrated not in the hands of elected representatives, but in unelected institutions—primarily the military and intelligence agencies—that operate beyond the reach of public accountability. Elections are held, but political participation is controlled. Parliament exists, but its authority is often toothless. Dissent is tolerated only until it challenges the interests of those who truly hold power.
Military Dominance: The State Within the State
The military remains the most powerful political actor in Pakistan. Through coups, backdoor deals, and institutional manipulation, it has consistently shaped national policy—from foreign relations to internal security—while sidestepping democratic scrutiny. Civilian leaders often serve at the military’s pleasure. Those who resist this control face political engineering, legal persecution, or outright removal.
This system fosters an illusion of civilian rule while real decisions are made elsewhere. Even when out of direct office, the military maintains control through loyal bureaucrats, judiciary influence, and the expansive reach of intelligence agencies.
Intelligence Agencies and the Surveillance State
Pakistan’s intelligence apparatus, particularly the ISI, plays a central role in enforcing authoritarian control. Through surveillance, harassment, and abductions, these agencies silence critics, manipulate elections, and crush grassroots movements. Activists, journalists, students, and even elected officials have faced coercion or disappearance for challenging the status quo.
This deep state operates in secrecy and impunity, creating a climate of fear that extends across political, civil, and digital spaces.
Judiciary: A Tool, Not a Check
While the judiciary should act as a guardian of rights and accountability, in Pakistan it is often complicit in legitimizing authoritarian rule. Selective application of justice, politically motivated rulings, and judicial cover for military actions have undermined public trust. High-profile disqualifications, delayed hearings, and the failure to protect basic rights reflect a judiciary that is frequently manipulated rather than independent.
This legal repression has become a key feature of Pakistan’s authoritarian toolkit—offering the appearance of legality while dismantling real democratic protections.
Enforced Disappearances: The Human Cost of Control
In Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and beyond, enforced disappearances are a brutal reminder of authoritarianism’s reach. Thousands have vanished—activists, students, journalists, and minority voices—often without explanation or legal process. Families are left in limbo, justice remains elusive, and the message is clear: resistance has consequences.
These tactics are not isolated—they are systemic. They are designed to silence entire communities and discourage political engagement.
A Captured Media Ecosystem
Independent journalism is under siege. The state and its allies control media through censorship, intimidation, economic pressure, and direct ownership. Critical journalists face threats, bans, or exile. Channels are taken off air for airing dissenting views, and digital platforms are heavily monitored or blocked.
Authoritarianism depends on controlling the narrative—and in Pakistan, that control is nearly complete. A manipulated media ensures that state-backed versions of truth dominate, while the voices of the oppressed are buried.
Religious Proxies as Instruments of Power
The state has long co-opted religious groups to maintain control and suppress dissent. Extremist organizations and hardline clerics are tolerated—or even empowered—when their agendas align with state interests. These groups enforce conservative norms, attack marginalized communities, and fuel public hysteria on issues like blasphemy, providing cover for authoritarian crackdowns.
By weaponizing religion, the state deepens divisions, justifies repression, and reinforces its own legitimacy.
Blasphemy Laws: Fear as a Political Tool
Blasphemy laws are among the most chilling tools of authoritarian control. Beyond their religious implications, these laws are used to silence critics, target minorities, and crush dissent. Politicians, religious mobs, and security agencies weaponize accusations for political gain—often with devastating, irreversible consequences.
In this climate, even mild criticism can be fatal. The fear of being labeled a blasphemer has become a powerful tool to stifle reform and enforce obedience.
Military Inc.: The Business of Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism in Pakistan isn’t just political—it’s economic. The military controls vast business empires, from housing schemes to factories, banks, and agribusiness. This economic power reinforces institutional dominance, stifles private competition, and allows the military to operate as a state within a state—funded not just by the public budget, but by private profit.
These enterprises blur the line between governance and business, creating powerful incentives to maintain the status quo.
Ethnic Repression and Center-Periphery Divide
Authoritarianism also manifests in how the state treats its peripheral regions. Ethnic minorities in Balochistan, the former FATA region, and Gilgit-Baltistan face systematic marginalization, militarization, and denial of rights. Movements demanding autonomy or accountability—like the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM)—are smeared as threats, their leaders harassed or jailed.
Democracy cannot flourish while entire regions are ruled by force and fear.
Democratic Stagnation: Elections Without Change
Despite regular elections, Pakistan lacks true democratic alternation. Political engineering ensures that only “approved” parties gain power. Opposition alliances are dismantled, voter suppression is widespread, and electoral commissions lack independence. This results in a managed democracy—where voting exists, but meaningful change does not.
Authoritarianism hides behind the ritual of elections, while ensuring that real accountability never arrives.