Revolving door politics? Shadow of military looms over Pakistan elections • FRANCE 24 English

A country that's broke, beset by radical insurgents and on the front lines of global warming needs leadership its citizens can trust. But Thursday's elections follow a familiar pattern of revolving door politics. Out is former prime minister Imran Khan, who first lost his coalition and then his freedom after feuding with the military-backed establishment. In is a scion of Pakistani politics, Nawaz Sharif, whose return from exile was made possible by a Supreme Court rule change that enabled him to run despite a corruption conviction. The same Sharif once ousted in a coup is back in favour. Why? What's the army's calculation? And how does a youthful nation break out of the dynastic politics of old? The third player in Thursday's elections is Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, son of assassinated prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Why do dynasties dominate in Pakistan, and what’s the alternative?
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[@wynetsang]

In poor countries, the military dictates the politics, whereas money dictates politics in rich countries.

[@llamaboss1434]

Rich countries have complex technological societies that require you to have an enormous portion of your populace to be highly trained professionals who are enfranchised. These trained professionals can demand rights and often have foot in the classes 1 or 2 rungs below them. So no rich nations are not dictated my money, but they are influenced by it.

[@retrogamingfrenzy2373]

​@@llamaboss1434still most rich people aren't independent

[@user-bt8kl5nd3o]

USA if they stop finance than Pakistani people will win!

[@oreo5835]

India is also a poor country but here elections are free and fair!!

[@tesac_182]

Buddy pakistan army is controlled by USA they made the pak military and intelligence like this and helped regime change multiple times

[@SatyamSingh-hz6xk]

Its selection, not election 😂 Army 😅😅😅

[@alizadi8267]

Lets See

[@shamimkhan9817]

This ambassador is a very biased-Nawaz Sheriff is not intelligent -a goof servant who will obey what he is told. Shamim Khan

[@suboorkhan2570]

💯% true 👍👌👏👏

[@Suppergillow]

The stance of West is really hilarious on some countries like Pakistan. Democracy is a joke in this country and yet there is total silence from US and others, the habitual preachers, these elections are recognised as legal, and Pakistan continues to get IMF funding.

[@suman902]

Yes, the West does not care about democracy or human rights in other countries- they just shower platitudes and use the human rights bandwagon when it suits them. Thus has been their trajectory from the Cold War days to now.

[@DVRK.GODSLAYER]

Americans say they fight against terrorism. But also funds a state sponsored terrorist country (which was also in FATF grey list) with Money & Military Equipment... Well

[@DVRK.GODSLAYER]

A superpower should be a peacekeeper in the world. Not destabilize continents after continents.. This sh*t stain country isn't a damn superpower, never was 🤷‍♂

[@ASinghJ91]

What benefit has Pakistan been for the USA or the west ? Why should be care about Pakistan ? They supported the taliban behind our backs . They had bin Laden in their back garden. Are extremist radical islamists

[@asiftahir]

Agreed

[@007jamesboond]

In pakistan no election 😂it's selection 😂😂 by pakistan army 😂😂

[@zahirshah22]

Same applies in your Hindu country called India. The only difference is that your army adopts sophisticated ways of controlling politicians.

[@akshayshastri6498]

@@zahirshah22 lmfaooo surreeee bruv

[@SurajMandal-lj6hc]

​@@zahirshah22 our army didn't interfere in politics and we use evm not a ballot papers in India government control army not the army control government and civil servants.

[@purujitparashar4642]

​@@zahirshah22 lolz sure buddy. Delulu is the only solulu

[@thealphaN]

​@@zahirshah22😐 very smart

[@ayanmishra2186]

Its crazy how pakistan gets so much favorable coverage in western media

[@Construction-sb6ko]

You Indian have a problem with Pakistan unnecessary for everything i don't knew why may be real hindu come out or hindu mentality The hindu mentality against Pakistan and Pakistani never change

[@bulthaosen1169]

I know right? As if its full of good people. If its someone who doesn't know geopolitics it will look like pakistan is good guy and india is the bad guy.

[@pranavambhore9215]

It's historical ally for continuing their war economy 😂.

[@JijuGeorgian]

Well we all know how the Butcher of Gujarat, the hindu fanatic of Hindutva Narendra Modi who was once banned in America, suddenly became acceptable to America when Indians voted for him. This should be seen in a peaceful light of gross human rights violations in Kashmir.

[@bulthaosen1169]

@@JijuGeorgian OK bin laden fanboy.

[@SAIFUK44]

It's not Election its Selection😂

[@driasalta4834]

What a mess

[@adnanjaved6303]

All political parties taking full participation in election - unlike the 2018 when all parties hardly participated except one . Compared to all parties except the one this time. Which is more representative in a volatile third world country ?

[@suman902]

India will not change the status of Kashmir. That will be the end of the political career of any ruling dispensation in India regardless of the party in power. On the other hand Pakistan cannot survive as a nation if it does not do a u turn on its Kashmir policy. So we know where this is headed. Watch the Pakistani establishment crawling on its foreign policy vis a vis India, while at the same time maintaining their vice like grip over their domestic politics. As the popular saying goes: “the only wars the Pakistani army wins is against their unarmed civilians”. As soon as the other party shows them guns , they ( Oak army) and run for cover , be it the Afghan Taliban, TTP, Baloch freedom fighters or the Indian army. The top brass of the army is only interested in making money. They are business men busy selling their country to the highest bidder.

[@AgubbiB]

Why bring India when discussing Pakistan India has rejected dynastic politics 4the gen dynast Rahul Gandhi can’t get vote to himself forget about his party Why club India here ?

[@Holaa._.1001]

They have nasty old habit to drag India in everything, with there 80s image in mind. They (Western Media houses) have all lost there credibility in India because of baised coverage of India in all aspects!

[@jahidhosssin54456]

Bollywood?

[@AgubbiB]

@@jahidhosssin54456 what bolllywood ? The discussion is about politics And even Indian film industry is becoming very diverse too , too films in India is not only from Bollywood anymore it is from Kannada or telugu or Tamil

[@shobhitdagur1086]

Bollywood has more budget than Pakistan ​@@jahidhosssin54456

[@xijinpig8982]

​@@jahidhosssin54456 Typical illiterate Abdool

[@tmk5]

Ayshah Siddiqa once stern opponent to the negative role of the Army , this army praising the Army as it is helping Nawaz Shareef. What a low class standard of scholarship.

[@pranavambhore9215]

Stop having any good expectations from these intellectually dishonest so called scholars, they are there just to make money by serving whoever holds the power.

[@ambarishupadhyay921]

Pakistan: Banana Republic. Or… Brinjal Republic? 😂😅😂😅😂😅

[@pranavambhore9215]

Lawda republic 🤣🤣

[@islanderyogi]

LOL... as long as there is a continued fixation on Kashmir, funds will consistently be channeled towards the military. Kashmir holds significant historical importance as an integral part of India, making any compromise unlikely from the Indian perspective. Additionally, with ongoing challenges involving Afghanistan and Iran, the financial resources available for development in other sectors, crucial for economic growth, are severely limited. Regardless of the elected prime minister, their influence is overshadowed by the military. The resolution to Pakistan's issues is a bitter pill they are unwilling to swallow, providing a glimpse into the anticipated future of the country.

[@adnanjaved6303]

That’s the logic Nawaz Sharif was thrown out - he asked the army be judicious and helpless resolve the Kashmir -

[@KingKong-lb3vh]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@pranavambhore9215]

Pakistani people have to rebel Against army. But that's not going to happen.

[@maneeshahooja]

Informative. Thank you!

[@s.r.r.2526]

Important thing to mention: On whose command Imran Khan was kicked from his position?

[@drmasoodmujahid3365]

Good observation

[@sufyaniqbal3636]

This time we as Pakistani not accepting our miltry choice sorry.

[@tesac_182]

😂 there is no need for your acceptance

[@AbdulRehman-il7wv]

they selected Imrand khand in the last election and now again they want to impose him on pakistan. people would win.Nawaz Sharif & pdm will win.😢

[@bulthaosen1169]

Give up kashmir then. Your problem will be solved.

[@HrithikSD4368]

Like Military gives a damn about your acceptance💀

[@s.r.r.2526]

"Reproached to him by Americans !" 😂. "It needs to be rebuilt when Nawaz Shareef comes to power " Ambassador to the point!

[@tamoghnadas8581]

Pakistani army sumarised " Never won a war, never lost an election". ☠️

[@ZS0719]

Glorified servant of the chief

[@sanjaysanj6688]

Not in shadow , its their Selection .. 😂🤣

[@muhammadnadeemchoudhary4015]

The money laundering convicted Nawaz sharif and shahbaz Sharif through their unfair dealings in the system has brought them back in to play win game and make money 🤑💰 for buying their assets beyond their means...

[@ibrahimnadeem1064]

What about Pak Army their dictatorship destroyed the ecosystem of politics, never won wars 😏. You say politicians are corrupt, get your army out of politics and give level field to every political party you will see political stability

[@muhammadwaqar3690]

No internet no mobile service. Pre pole regging start

[@bally1664]

Namaste.Good host , show and participants.

[@shamimkhan9817]

Does this ex-ambassador believe in democracy and European democratic system or has different standard for other countries than Europe & US. Shamim Khan

[@Ashikaga-Tadayoshi]

The former ambassador appears to envy Pakistan's successful governance model and its rapid growth, positioning it as second only to China in all of Asia. Perhaps he is intimidated by the failures of his own home country.

[@user-bt8kl5nd3o]

offcourse he has double standards, he thinks Pakistani are of low burd.

[@HrithikSD4368]

He's jealous of a thriving asian tiger Pakistan as his own country is becoming dump because of farmer's protest.

[@erturulghazi3930]

Good detailed show on Pakistan with clarity

[@creatorm.k3708]

Afghanistan has direct access to Iranian ports rather than destabilised Pakistani ports.

[@mohammadfarooqshah3796]

People in India like BJP it does not practice dynastic politics. Pakistan Landreforms are urgently needed.

[@HrithikSD4368]

Land reforms hasn't happened in pakistan till now?🤯

[@nishantsharma7832]

​@@HrithikSD4368no they still have zamidars who have 2000 acres of land.

[@tausifhanif8026]

Convicted leader is the right representation of Pakistan . countries that are owned by military don’t have open elections. They just have biryani party🤣🤣

[@sirajuddinsahibzada8410]

In Pakistan banned on internet A lot of violence on election places

[@Sarah_0112]

Great to hear Dr Sameen Ali and Ayesha Siddiqa on your reporting on Pakistani politics. Both are excellent analysts!

[@vishalagnihotri6431]

Pakistani ppl need to show their army its place. It has become their boss and is wrecking the country. Unqualified glorification is dangerous. Its a highly in competent army that fails at their primary duties but pokes nose in place where it has no business.

[@justchill4214]

In my 56 year I have naver seen this type of election rigging.infront of government officials army supportive party people change the ballot box

[@shahidakhan1979]

Why for these people corruption is not crime and criminal shouldn’t be a prime minister of Pakistan.

[@thecoldassassin]

Just a point - India is not going to be bothered about Pakistan. Yes, the Pakistanis will crave for attention via terrorism - but - the cost that India will impose will be very high for Pak.

[@shahidakhan1979]

It is a selection by army not election

[@MahaRaja-kx2ye]

Shadows of military looms always over Pakistan’s politics, nothing new at all. “ military democracy always rule Pakistan “.

[@shamimkhan9817]

Ayesha Siddiqa is talking non-sense -why Middle Eastern countries help beggars like Pakistan when the country has gone down the drain over last 5 decades. Shamim Khan

[@srsssnr]

When you have a discussion on Pak where you have the guests constantly referring to India, then better have an Indian foreign policy expert as well.....

[@imranarshad9379]

A bleak hope that Pakistan can get real democracy this time-Government by the people

[@misbahmalik]

No no it’s all money game. Yes his regional contacts r for his own gains !

[@-k8850]

Pakistani people with Sir Imran Khan Save us from our dictator army

[@ZS0719]

Who died and made Ayesha Sadiqua an expert on Pakistani politics??

[@akshayyadav10008]

pakistani election = selection by army

[@newsorentertainment8696]

Sir please you highlight pakistani genrals reging election of 2024 plz

[@shoukatalimaredia5420]

now you call poor Pakistani next May be France

[@anasir47]

Pakistan Army and Establishment has lost their credibility in these elections. Today at the day of Election, Mobile service is down in all major cities. For a voter to know, it’s location of voting center is by messaging their Pakistani ID card number to 8300 but when mobile system is down. Voter can’t vote as he doesn’t know where to voto

[@ZS0719]

What a joke Ayesha Sadiqua!!!! Nawaz Sharif ??? Really??

[@misbahmalik]

We don’t want world to dictate us, Pakistanis !

[@lulmaster635]

sharif brother will be selected with grace of army , army to protect their money not civilian

[@Abdul-vq8pe]

Great man great khan Imran Khan Imran Khan.

[@shantanudalvi1563]

Kashmir is India’s integral part.🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@shahzaib8922]

Its a disputed territory tho which needs to be resolved according to UN resolutions

[@pranavambhore9215]

​@@shahzaib8922 your mom is disputed. PoK wants to join India's side.

[@shantanudalvi1563]

UN is incompetent and irrelevant. It can resolve bilaterally when Pakistan stops terrorism and gives POK back to India.

[@strawhat9319]

​@@shahzaib8922 Tell U.N to take a long walk 😂

[@guenthersteiner4444]

@@pranavambhore9215 I'm Kashmiri and no we don't

[@AHR671]

I can understand the statement of the French Ambassador when he said " Nawaz Sharif is the person who can mend relations with India and the West. This is the agenda of THE West and for its execution, The West needs a spineless person who can go along with West's agenda. Please understand THE REASON OF IMRAN KHAN'S POPULARITY AMONG PAKISTANI MASSES. Pakistanis want to have a leader who can independently make decisions without sacrificing Pakistan's independence and dignity. He made it very clear that Pakistan wanted peace with India and Good relations with The West but not at the cost of national dignity and sovereignty as an independent state.

[@rehanabbasi380]

*100% involved Pakistani military in Pakistani election😂wins army😂😂😂*

[@KS-qb9tz]

What a rubbish, you couldn't find anyone who has multidimensional view of Pakistan.

[@jaanireel]

00:10 Pakistan's elections plagued by familiar revolving door politics. 02:32 Election campaign in Pakistan marred by violence 07:28 Pakistan's historical links lead to strained relations with Taliban 10:22 High risk of violence and low voter turnout in Pakistan elections. 15:07 Voter sentiment against Nawaz Sharif and unusual symbols for candidates 17:33 The military has orchestrated election manipulation to disadvantage PTI and Imran Khan. 21:36 Sharif's political journey and the influence of the military. 23:17 Concerns about election interference and independent candidate decisions. 27:58 Nawaz Sharif's challenge to navigate relations with the military and assert his leadership. 30:23 Pakistan's challenges and the role of the military in the upcoming elections 34:18 Family influence in Pakistani politics 36:20 Disaffection with politics and dynasticism in Pakistani elections. 40:07 Candidates focusing on Kashmir and defense budget in Pakistan elections 42:44 Delays expected in India-Pakistan talks

[@nishantsharma7832]

narendra modi and his party doesn't involve in dynastic politics.I think, that's why Western media hates him😂😂

[@01sinat]

Nawaz Sharif, has no mandate and the army should return back to the barracks. Any other manufactured outcome is not acceptable and MUST not be allowed to be imposed on Pakistan. This Era of Dynastic politics is coming to an end. Talks such as this should not even be contemplated. Its a betrayal to the good people of Pakistan.

[@khushhalpakistanzindabad4680]

What is common between Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif? They both have had trouble with the military. What is uncommon between the two? One is approved and the other is disapproved by a foreign power.

[@Ashikaga-Tadayoshi]

Both are absolute assets to the world-intellectuals whose contributions to mankind are unparalleled. Comparing them is like comparing apples to oranges. Pakistan, a global powerhouse and tech giant, would thrive with either of them as a leader, with both, or even without either at the helm.

[@DVRK.GODSLAYER]

@@Ashikaga-Tadayoshi 😂😂😂

[@HrithikSD4368]

​@@Ashikaga-Tadayoshi that's heavy 🪨😉

[@aizazusman3109]

#ImranKhan

[@ZS0719]

Ayesha please stop talking!!! Why would the army let Nawaz make his own decisions????? Punjab HATES Nawaz now

[@shaheengk5352]

Our Leader🌸Our Murshad Imran Khan🔥Imran Khan

[@azzoz500]

Imran Khan is great leader

[@ABC_Travels]

Free Balochistan😢😢 SPEAK UP #UNSC for peace in balochistan

[@ZS0719]

Nawaz sharif is the worst thing that happened to Pakistan

[@yaduvansiishu2493]

King khan is back

[@racistocrazy]

Pakistani military has full support of Washington DC.

[@user-to7qe1vn7h]

Reason of failure of Pakistan 1. Vision of Md Ali Jinnah 2. Teaching of PBUH SAW 😢 Bitter but true 😢

[@shahidakhan1979]

This diplomat is not truthful if he is a good man why not France buy him cause he is very smart to sell himself and buy others.

[@khalidshams74]

No whit nawaz and yes for omran khan

[@ahmeddurrani1513]

Afghan border is fences and regular troops are present there so how can these militants infiltrate and indulge in terrorist activities unless being patronised

[@ronischif9677]

Imran khan zindabad

[@Mathfinance.]

There are no outside militants in Pakistan. I am a Pashtun. We fought with the so called great Cat colonizer of Europe in the beginning of nineteenth century. The same socially Darwinist inspired Punjabi are playing violent ethnic politics. They are being divided through religious fanaticism. The result is negative development and bad governance and law.

[@peace-kn4vm]

To whom it may concern We people of Pakistan stands with our beloved leader Imran Khan Sahib and Pakistan. We people of Pakistan disowned Traitor Fascist Pakistani army. Any deal or contract with army will not be honored by the people of Pakistan.

[@GrimSower]

dimocracy is haram

[@rohailkhan2399]

Imran khan 🇵🇰✌

[@ozahmed4523]

Militocracy!

[@ZS0719]

What a naive and ignorant statement by Ayesha

[@versatrade1]

Release IK and his followers from jail. Pakistan needs election no selection by corrupt Army.

[@sportscenter7157]

This is what happens when u sell countries for dollars and have families abroad

[@heha6804]

Imran khan has over 90% of the popular vote/support

[@liquidswordfish]

Pakistan election start with bomb speaks a lot about this country and its policies ...very jashbe wala kom 😂😂😂

[@lepetitprince2188]

Pakistani army has never won a war. But they have always won elections.

[@amirsapra6381]

Countries has the army but Pakistani Army has the country, Pakistani Army has never won the war but never lose the Elections, This time Khan gonna beat them all 14 Parties and Army together,✌️

[@NRI0022]

Selection 2024 by establishment. Banana Republic of Pakistan

[@nidairfan9475]

ONLY Imran Khan

[@aligoharjumani8483]

Pakistani peoples request our Pakistani nationals of USA Eroupen union And UK , these countries are partners in regime, if they not play roll return us our stolen mandate, please do sapot the in their countries in their presidential in elections Jo Biden Eroupen and UK,

[@abdulghani8269]

Zinda bad Imran Khan,,PM. 2024 Pakistan

[@veeraanjum]

US control na pak army nd na pak army control Pakistan. We Pakistani l9ve imran khan

[@bharatmaa7826]

Selection in banana republic of pakistan

[@Aliraza-lk5pq]

We Support Leader imran khan pti

[@ronyswed2404]

Army rule pakistan

[@shahzadahmed8439]

Pakistan army is doing every thing to help nwaz shareef

[@mahrukh3415]

Imran khan is only the hope and voice of people of Pakistan.

[@DVRK.GODSLAYER]

Theres no hope for Pakistan

[@ibbajs8059]

​@@AbdulRehman-il7wv😂

[@shubhamtomar2161]

That's how election happens in Banana Republic. No Internet! No Mobile services! Terror attacks everywhere! Most popular party destroyed! Most popular leader is in jail! In short, Pakistan army is on a mission of selecting new Puppet PM 😂

[@Aliraza-lk5pq]

Leader Imran khan pti will win no one can controll him

[@shiblysadiq8680]

Nothing wrong in dynastic politics. People are inherently prone to a common place of allegiance. Allegiance of general people is something to be earned by a first generation politician often at the cost of life. So, easy and comfortable option for the people to take shelter in a family with political history, sacrifice and popularity. It is more related to popular psychee than to fancy or fashion.

[@JijuGeorgian]

Wow. Another Sheeple logic by someone who has no respect for basic God given human rights and right of self determination.

[@maleksaab]

We had seen imran khan for 3 and half years, we dont want him anymore

[@afshankafeel5002]

Naturally you will select crooks

[@HrithikSD4368]

You guys get bored very easily.

[@princesaable]

Nawaz Sharif is army favourite and he is called back for this so he will win for sure

[@jarexaderemi9511]

The Pakistan army will "pick" the winners.

[@US_Eagle]

It's unfortunate that Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India are facing a complete corruption problem in their politics. It seems to me that the US is also entangled in this shady political game in the South East region. The US has a desire to see corrupt leaders such as Modi, Hasina, and Newaz in that region.

[@loguchennai]

Indians are happy about Mr modi.. And he will win next election... Americans no rights to worry about indian politics

[@babajikaghanta8842]

​@@loguchennaiIndian people are happy with modi ? Who says that ? No one but there own RSS/bjp andh bhakts who won the election by corruption and who knows nothing but to rule by complete fascism also those who worked against India's independence.

[@sidjain999]

😂 care about yourself and not India, we are fine and happy here unlike you

[@CommanCyberCitizen]

Don't even compare the world's largest democracy to these small countries. Don't make me expose the flawed USA's democracy regarding Trump and Biden ?

[@CommanCyberCitizen]

US citizens have only two choices. Democrats and Republicans. Both are influenced by Anglo Saxon Deep State.