During the last few weeks tens of thousands of protesters have been camped out in the centre of Islamabad calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. While the protest leaders are seeking to further their own political agendas, they have been able to tap into a deep well of public anger about Pakistan’s stagnant economy, corrupt and inept governance, spiralling insurgency and collapsing public services.
Usman Malik -Flickr CC BY-NC 2.0
In this latest FRIDE video, senior researcher Clare Castillejo discusses the ongoing demonstrations that have brought political turmoil to Pakistan. According to the expert, the current crisis could undermine democratic consolidation by strengthening the hand of the military, as well as increase insecurity for neighbours India and Afghanistan.