Military Rule and Civilian Politics: A Case Study of General Pervez Musharraf's Government (1999 – 2008)

Abstract

The complexity of civilian politics and military authority in Pakistan under General Pervez Musharraf (1999–2008) is examined in this paper. It looks at the main political, economic, and foreign policy changes made by his administration and how they affected democratic governance. Musharraf's administration was criticized for stifling democratic institutions, limiting judicial independence, and promoting political divisiveness, even though it also saw significant economic growth, infrastructure development, and strategic realignments in foreign policy. This study adds to the larger conversation on Pakistan's civil-military relations by critically examining important policies and issues, emphasizing the military's ongoing influence on the political course of the nation. The results highlight the necessity of institutional changes to Pakistan's governance structure in order to guarantee democratic stability and civilian supremacy.