Multiple crisis vectors destabilising Pakistan

The glue of self-interest binds the government and the military firmly together and as long as that alliance is firm, it can assure Pakistan of the minimum stability it needs to stagger on

- TCA Raghavan

Two distinct vectors have intersected in Pakistan this past week. The first was a high-intensity political clash as the jailed Imran Khan's wife led large numbers of his supporters into the heart of Islamabad in defiance of the government, vowing to remain till their leader was released. If the intention was to create a high-pressure situation to change the status quo, clearly the effort did not work. The protest was dispersed with some force but without the major casualty figures that would have significantly discredited the government. It leaves Imran Khan in much the same position as he was earlier - very popular, but in jail along with other major figures of his party.