In the current tumult of Pakistans politics, the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his ongoing dispute with the Pakistan military echo similar crises in the nations history. Having been released on bail, Khans bold challenge to the military has incited unprecedented levels of protests and unrest across the country. Understanding these historical episodes, specifically the militarys evolving role in governance, can shed light on the present situation.

Pakistans political history is marked by repeated military interventions that have shaped the administration and direction of its civilian and military institutions. Since the countrys founding in 1947, there have been three successful coups in 1958, 1977, and 1999 that serve as key reference points in understanding the civil-military dynamic. As we explore the current conflict, comparing it with these historical events and analyzing their effects on civilian institutions can provide valuable insight.

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<blockquote> <h5><a href= "https://www.globalresearch.ca/ongoing-fascist-repression-pakistan/5819354" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: #003366;">By Junaid S. Ahmad | <em>Global Research</em> | May 18, 2023</span></a></h5> </blockquote> <p>Confirmed and corroborated by at least two dozen of my former students both inside Pakistans military-intelligence apparatus as well as those protesting it. This is the face of fascism, the culmination of a year-long Washington-backed regime change operation against former prime minister Imran Khan.</p> <blockquote> <p>Around 7000+ PTI supporters and workers across Pakistan are in illegal custody of multiple LEAs and Police at the moment and not presented in any court after so many days of abduction.</p> <p>The IG of Punjab himself claimed 3500+ abductions in Punjab. The actual number is around 5000+ for Punjab and 2000+ for KP & Islamabad.

No law permits any custody after 24 hours without presenting the accused in courts. Out of ~5000 abductions in Punjab, only ~200 presented in Punjabs courts so far.</p> <p>None of them were not involved in any kind of vandalism at all and arrested just because they are peaceful PTI Supporters/Workers and their families.</p> <p>Its the first time in history that political workers female family members are also being picked up to pressurise and humiliate them. In one case, an 8 year-old kid was also kidnapped for a few hours.</p> <p>Hundreds of them are reportedly being tortured and pressurised to give false statements against PTI leadership.</p> </blockquote> <p><em>Prof. Junaid S. Ahmad teaches Religion and Global Politics, and is the Director of the Center for the Study of Islam and Decoloniality, Islamabad, Pakistan. He is a regular contributor to Global Research.</em></p>

By Thierry Meyssan | Voltaire Network | May 16, 2023

Pakistan has never been independent. It has always remained a toy in the hands of the United Kingdom and the United States. During the Western war against the Afghan communist regime, it became a rear base for Bin Ladens mujahideen and Arab fighters. However, for the past decade, a cricket champion like no other has been trying to liberate it, make peace with India and create social services: Imran Khan.

Imran Khan, world cricket champion and former Prime Minister. He is fighting for a modern, more social and independent state.

The Pakistani population is rising up against its army and its political personnel. Everywhere, demonstrations are forming in support of the former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, who has just been released but is the subject of a hundred legal proceedings.

WHO IS IMRAN KHAN?

Imran Khan comes from an illustrious Pashtun family. His father is descended from an Indian general and governor of the Punjab, and his mother from a Sufi master who invented the Pashto alphabet. He was educated in Lahore, then in England at Oxford. He speaks Saraiki, Urdu, Pashto and English....

Pakistan has never been independent. It has always remained a toy in the hands of the United Kingdom and the United States. During the Western war against the Afghan communist regime, it became a rear base for Bin Laden's mujahideen and Arab fighters. However, for the past decade, a cricket champion like no other has been trying to liberate it, make peace with India and create social services: Imran Khan.

Established in 2001, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has evolved into a significant regional organization in Eurasia, attracting increasing attention from both member states and observers worldwide. This backgrounder seeks to offer an in-depth understanding of the SCOs history, its strategic motives, and the trends that have emerged over time, while also examining its role and relevance in contemporary geopolitics.

Brief History of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

The SCO was founded by China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan in June 2001. The organization initially emerged from the Shanghai Five, which was formed in 1996 with the aim of demilitarizing the common borders of its members following the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Over time, the organization has grown, incorporating India, Pakistan, and Iran as full members, in addition to multiple observer and dialogue partners like Afghanistan, Belarus, and Mongolia, among others.

A key driving force of the SCOs growth has been in response to the enlargement of Western institutions like NATO and the EU. The increasing great power competition between the West and countries like China and Russia has driven these nations to establish and enlarge regional platforms like the SCO without requiring a common doctrine that impedes sovereignty.

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F.M. Shakil The brief arrest of the former PM has again unleashed political turmoil in Pakistan, amid speculation that powerful military opponents may have orchestrated the unrest for their own interests. Following the spectacular arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan over an alleged corruption case on 9 May, Pakistan veered into anarchy and mayhem for...

One must ask how prepared Manila is to weather potential economic reprisals, especially from Beijing. As US-China rivalry intensifies, pressure on allies and partners grows. Strategic access in return for economic concessions or security assistance plays out in the Indo-Pacific region. Cases abound, from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Cambodia, Myanmar and the Philippines to the Marshall Continue reading As US-China Rivalry Boils, Manila Should Play its Cards Well