The Emerging Dynamics of Praetorianism in Pakistan: A Case Study of Pashtun Tahafuz (Protection) Movement
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47067/ramss.v8i4.652Keywords:
Praetorianism, Democratic Transition, Identity Politics, Political Mobilization, Ethnic NationalismAbstract
Pakistan’s political landscape reflects a complex interaction of multiethnic identities, competing nationalisms, and evolving civil-military relations. Over the past two decades, the country has experienced an uneven democratic transition in which direct military authoritarianism has gradually transformed into a more subtle form of praetorian influence. In this environment, mainstream political parties such as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have continuously adjusted their political strategies, while ethno-regional parties have struggled to sustain political relevance. Amid these developments, the rise of Pashtun Tahafuz Movement introduced a distinct form of socio-political mobilization centered on human security, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and the securitization of Pashtun identity. Unlike religio-political movements such as Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, PTM prioritizes ethnic grievances and democratic rights over religious mobilization. This study examines whether PTM emerged as a genuine grassroots social awakening or as a product of political opportunity structures created by Pakistan’s hybrid political order. It further evaluates whether PTM’s Pashtun-centered narrative strengthens its political legitimacy or limits its broader national appeal. The study situates PTM within the broader framework of praetorianism, democratic transition, and identity politics in Pakistan.
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