Pakistan in era of so-called hybrid regime structure over controlled by the establishment

Since the political upheaval of April 2022, Pakistan has experienced one of its most turbulent eras. The removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan via a no-confidence motion triggered a prolonged standoff between civilian political factions, heavily overseen by the country’s military establishment. What began as a constitutional struggle has evolved into what global watchdogs describe as an intense crackdown on dissent, independent media, and political opposition.

The Political Crackdown and Atrocities Against Rivals:

Following his removal from power, Imran Khan led massive protest rallies (such as the Azadi Marches) demanding early elections. The polarization peaked on May 9, 2023, when Khan’s brief arrest sparked nationwide protests, during which some demonstrators targeted military installations.

The state’s response was swift and sweeping:

• Mass Detentions: Thousands of workers and senior leaders belonging to Khan’s party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were arrested under sweeping anti-terrorism and preventive detention laws.
• Dismantling the Opposition: Many high-profile politicians were forced to give televised statements resigning from the party after days or weeks in custody.
• Systemic Disfranchisement: Leading up to the February 2024 general election, the Election Commission stripped the PTI of its historic electoral symbol (the cricket bat), forcing candidates to run as independents under intense surveillance and administrative blockades.

War on Information: The Target on Media and YouTube:

With mainstream television channels subjected to strict, unspoken censorship directives (often called “press advisories” from regulatory authorities), independent journalism largely migrated to digital spaces like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and independent blogs.

In response, the state expanded its suppression tactics to digital platforms:

• The Rise of Exiled Journalists: Prominent television anchors and political analysts, including Moeed Pirzada, Sabir Shakir, Shaheen Sehbai, and Wajahat Saeed Khan, fled the country due to mounting threats. In early 2026, an anti-terrorism court sentenced several of these overseas journalists in absentia to lengthy prison terms for “digital terrorism.”
• Abductions and Forced Disappearances: Journalists operating within Pakistan have faced immense physical danger. Prominent reporters like Asad Ali Toor and TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan have faced multiple arrests and periods of missing custody. Investigative journalists, such as Ahmad Noorani (FactFocus), saw their families targeted; Noorani’s brothers were abducted from their home in 2025 following his reports on institutional wealth.
• Digital Iron Curtain: The platform X was blocked nationwide for over 15 months following the 2024 election, and internet throttling or complete shutdowns are frequently deployed during opposition rallies to block streaming services.

Democracy or Martial Law?

A major debate centers on the exact nature of the current government, led by the PML-N and PPP coalition. Formally, Pakistan operates under a parliamentary framework with regular elections and a functioning judiciary. However, political analysts and international human rights bodies like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International frequently describe the current paradigm as a “hybrid regime” or “de facto soft martial law.”

While traditional Martial Law involves a direct suspension of the constitution and uniform-clad generals taking formal office, the contemporary model relies on keeping a civilian facade in place while security institutions orchestrate critical legal, judicial, and political outcomes behind the scenes. This allows the state to maintain access to international financial aid while enforcing strict boundaries on domestic political dissent.

About the author: Nawaz Ali

I am Professional, Engineer, Self Employed, Content Writer for Human and Humanity