Pakistan military will repel threats to its authority

Subject

The Pakistan military's influence on domestic politics.

Significance

Parliament last month passed legislation extending the tenure of the current chief of army staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, for another three years. This followed a November ruling by the Supreme Court striking down an extension granted by Prime Minister Imran Khan's government. While Pakistan struggles to ease its economic woes and secure diplomatic support for its position on Kashmir, over which it disputes sovereignty with India, the politically powerful military is orchestrating efforts to mediate peace in Afghanistan and consolidate relations with key partners.

Impacts

• The military will ensure that Khan remains in power, as it regards him as a suitably acquiescent prime minister.
• Most political parties will toe the military's line.
• Bajwa's likely successor as army chief, Faiz Hameed, may lack the charisma to command the same loyalty from senior officers.