Kabul, Dec 11 (NationPress) Pakistan is not following a traditional foreign policy; rather, it operates within a framework of layered subservience, with its military establishment at the forefront, offering services to dominant powers, such as the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia, in return for financial aid, arms, diplomatic protection, and immunity for domestic abuses, according to a report released on Thursday.

Furthermore, the report highlighted that beneath this hierarchy, civilian politicians in Pakistan vie for the military’s approval, endorsing constitutional frameworks that position one unelected Army Chief, Asim Munir, beyond judicial scrutiny and immune from future governmental oversight.

“Pakistan is a nation that emerged from the post-colonial era, portraying itself as a fiercely independent state proud of its nuclear capabilities. However, a closer examination of decision-making in Islamabad and Rawalpindi reveals a contrasting reality: a nation deeply dependent on external powers, struggling to assert its sovereignty. Over decades, Pakistan's political structure has been shaped around external interests,” a report from the Afghan media outlet Amu TV elaborated.

“Externally, it began with Washington and its allies, transitioned to Beijing, and now includes Gulf nations. Internally, it revolves around the military establishment that exchanges geopolitical services abroad for unchallenged dominance within Pakistan. Consequently, this creates a landscape where elected officials are often weak and follow scripts written by external forces,” the report further stated.

The report emphasized that this foreign dependency is echoed domestically, where civilians are expected to comply with military directives. Notably, no Prime Minister in Pakistan's history has completed a full five-year term, and even during nominally democratic periods, critical decisions on security, foreign affairs, and economic matters are predominantly made by the military in Rawalpindi.

Moreover, the report underscored that rather than diminishing, the military's control over the country has become more entrenched. The current Pakistani administration has sanctioned a constitutional amendment that amplifies the powers of the Army Chief and grants him lifelong legal immunity after his term concludes.

“Lawyers are already contesting this new constitutional alteration; journalists continue to challenge the government despite severe repression; and the citizens of Pakistan have consistently demonstrated their willingness to protest against electoral fraud. However, time is not in their favor. Each year, this dependency on foreign powers and the Pakistani military makes it increasingly difficult to envision a nation where pivotal issues are debated openly by elected officials instead of being secretly negotiated by military generals,” the report concluded.