Pakistan's Military Sees Surge in Public Support After Conflict with India

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of Pakistanis celebrated the country's perceived victory over India after a recent military confrontation, with many waving national flags and posters praising the military's leader, General Syed Asim Munir. The event marked a drastic shift in public opinion, as thousands had taken to the streets in May 2023 to protest the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was detained on corruption charges.

However, this time, the protests were a stark contrast, and the country's government even declared May 10 as "The Day of Righteous Battle". The public support for the military has been a welcome change for the military, which has been accused of domestic repression and human rights abuses in the past.

Key Takeaways:

  • The recent military confrontation with India saw a sharp surge in public support for the military in Pakistan, with 96% of respondents believing Pakistan had won the conflict (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • 82% of respondents rated the military's performance as "very good", with fewer than 1% expressing disapproval (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • 92% said their opinion of the military improved as a result of the conflict (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has been severely criticized by the military in the past, but the party's leader, Imran Khan, has issued a statement praising the military's role in the conflict.
  • The military has been accused of domestic repression and human rights abuses in the past, but the recent conflict with India may have changed the public's perception of the military.
  • The military has been accused of interfering in politics, but General Syed Asim Munir has vowed to keep the military out of politics in the future.
  • The recent conflict with India may have helped to justify the military's power and influence in Pakistan politics.

Statistics:

  • 96% of respondents believed Pakistan had won the conflict (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • 82% rated the military's performance as "very good" (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • 92% said their opinion of the military improved as a result of the conflict (Gallup Pakistan survey).
  • 51 people, including 11 soldiers and several children, were killed in the recent conflict with India (Al Jazeera reporting).
  • The Pakistani military has been accused of meddling in politics for decades (formerly Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa).

Sources:

  • "Why are Imran Khan's supporters angry with Pakistan's military?" (Al Jazeera)
  • "Pakistan launches operation 'Bunyan Marsoos', what we know so far" (Al Jazeera)
  • "What did India and Pakistan gain and lose in their military standoff?" (Al Jazeera)
  • Gallup Pakistan survey (Gallup Pakistan)
  • "Pakistan's army chief vows to keep military out of politics" (AJE)
  • "Pakistan's military court sentences 60 more civilians over pro-Khan protests" (Al Jazeera)