Pakistan’s Khan will not challenge military's power

Subject

Military influence in Pakistan.

Significance

Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa earlier this month visited Beijing to reassure China about Pakistan’s commitment to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Pakistan’s military strongly influences the country’s policy. It is widely believed that Prime Minister Imran Khan had the military’s support in winning the July general election.

Impacts

• Any meeting between Khan and US President Donald Trump is likely to be uncomfortable, further straining Pakistan-US ties.
• Pakistan will strongly defend its commitment to CPEC.
• The state will increase harassment of political opponents and civil society critics.