Pakistani Establishment Woes Surge Post Trump-Biden Debate
The Debate Between President Joe Biden and Donald Trump
The presidential debate at CNN headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring President Joe Biden and presidential candidate Donald Trump, had a profound impact. It rippled far beyond the U.S. borders, reaching as far as Pakistan’s political and military establishment. The event intensified Pakistan’s existing challenges, revealing deep-rooted concerns about its future stability and international relations.
Biden’s Performance: Weak and Damaging
Joe Biden’s performance during the debate was widely criticized. Many viewers perceived it as weak and damaging, casting doubts on his fitness to continue as President. This sentiment echoed not just in traditionally Republican strongholds but also in predominantly Democratic areas. The disappointment was palpable, as Biden seemed unable to articulate a compelling vision or counter Trump’s aggressive rhetoric effectively.
Democratic Party’s Response: A Call for New Strategy
In the aftermath, the Democratic Party’s advisors, including key figures from former President Obama’s team, realized the urgency of recalibrating their strategy. There were whispers that Biden might need to withdraw from the presidential race altogether. The debate had exposed vulnerabilities that could jeopardize their chances in the upcoming election, prompting a re-evaluation of their approach and potential candidates.
Pakistan’s Establishment Concerns: Reconsidering Strategies
Pakistan’s establishment, which had enjoyed robust support from the Biden administration post-regime change, found itself in a precarious position. The looming U.S. presidential elections in November 2024 exacerbated their anxiety. The potential change in U.S. leadership raised questions about future support and policies. Pakistani generals, who had relied heavily on Biden’s administration, were now forced to reconsider their strategies amid growing uncertainty.
Recent Developments in Pakistan: National Assembly’s Critical Resolutions
Amid these international dynamics, the Pakistan National Assembly passed a resolution critical of U.S. policies. The resolution reveals the complex and often contradictory nature of Pakistan’s foreign policy. The dependence of a country’s economic condition upon the international financial institutions does not match such moves.
Judicial and Political Tensions: Calls for Investigations
Domestically, Pakistan’s establishment faced mounting pressure. There were increasing calls for a judicial commission to investigate alleged massive rigging in the February 2024 general elections. Additionally, there was a demand to probe the May 09, 2023, false flag operation against the PTI, which had resulted in the detention of thousands of workers.0 The external tensions added another layer of complexity to Pakistan’s already fraught military establishment.
China-Pakistan Relations: Intensified Engagement and Mixed Reactions
Fearing a potential Trump return, Pakistan’s establishment intensified its engagement with China. This move, however, led to mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. While some saw it as a necessary pivot to secure alternative support, others feared it could complicate Pakistan’s relations with the West further. The deepening ties with China underscored the establishment’s strategic maneuvering amid global uncertainties.
U.S. Congressional Actions: Bipartisan Resolution HR 901
The U.S. Congress also signaled its dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s actions through the bipartisan resolution HR 901. This resolution marked a significant challenge for Pakistan’s establishment, indicating a growing impatience and mistrust among American lawmakers. The bipartisan nature of the resolution highlighted a unified stance against perceived massive rigging in elections Feb: 2024 and transgressions by the military establishment of Pakistan, adding pressure on the generals to reconsider their actions.
Article in the Intercept: Claims of Betrayal
Adding to the turmoil, an article in The Intercept claimed that Imran Khan had stated that General Asim Munir betrayed a pact of political involvements. This revelation further strained relations within Pakistan’s political sphere, casting a shadow over the establishment’s credibility. The accusations of betrayal highlighted deep divisions and mistrust among Pakistan’s power brokers.
Increasing Scrutiny: U.S. Authorities’ Monitoring
U.S. authorities ramped up their scrutiny of Pakistan’s activities, particularly concerning transnational repression. This increased monitoring indicated growing mistrust and heightened vigilance from American lawmakers and agencies. The focus on Pakistan’s internal and external actions suggested a significant shift in U.S. policy, with implications for future diplomatic relations.
Situation for Imran Khan: Better Prospects Amid Turmoil
Amidst these complex dynamics, the situation for Imran Khan appeared to be improving. Despite facing severe fascism, repression and brutalities by the military establishment over the past two years, the recent developments hinted at a potential turnaround. The full support of the Biden administration for the military establishment had been a significant challenge for Khan and his party, but the evolving scenario seemed to offer new opportunities.
Conclusion: Signals Against Pakistani Establishment
The overwhelming resolution of U.S. congressmen, with a vote of 368 to 7 against the massive rigging in the February 2024 general elections in Pakistan, was a clear signal. Coupled with the article in The Intercept and Biden’s perceived failure in the debate with Trump, these indicators suggested a troubling trajectory for Pakistan’s military establishment. The convergence of these factors pointed towards a period of significant uncertainty and potential upheaval in Pakistan’s political landscape.