While taking over Pakistan through Martial Law in 1958, Field Marshal Ayub Khan proclaimed, “I have no intention of perpetuating martial law. As soon as conditions permit, a democratic system suited to the genius of our people will be introduced.” However, he did not restore the pre-1958 parliamentary democracy. Instead, he prolonged his stay for as long as he could physically sustain (11 years), and then handed over to yet another military general, Yahya Khan. Later, General Zia-ul-Haq also claimed after his military takeover in 1977, “I have no intention of staying in power a day longer than is necessary. Elections will be held in October 1977.” He too suffered convenient amnesia and continued for over 11 years before dying mysteriously in an air crash. Later, General Pervez Musharraf was to make a similar promise in his inaugural address following a coup: “I have no political ambitions. I will restore true democracy in this country.” He, too, ruled for nine years until he was forcibly removed.

Today, Pakistan is yet again caught in a vortex of militaristic manipulation that amounts to the usurpation of complete power, albeit under the cover of constitutional ratification. Following the footsteps of militaristic overreach as initiated by the first self-appointed Field Marshal, Ayub Khan, the current, similarly self-appointed Field Marshal, Asim Munir, has tightened his vicelike grip over the Pakistani narrative via the infamous 27th........

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