Pakistan's 3 Pillars of Power
For at least the last decade, I have argued—both within the system and at every forum outside it—that the rules of the game and the calculus of power in Pakistan have undergone a fundamental transformation. The old order—rooted in military dominance, elite patronage, and bureaucratic control—no longer operates in a vacuum. A new set of forces has reshaped the country’s political and social landscape, shifting power away from traditional gatekeepers and toward a new, dynamic reality.
I call these forces the 3Ds that now define Pakistan’s power balance:
Demographics (Youth): Pakistan’s population is overwhelmingly young, with nearly two-thirds under the age of 30. This is not just a statistic; it is an unstoppable force. The country’s youth are increasingly restless, disillusioned with the old political dynasties, and unwilling to accept the military led status quo. Unlike previous generations, they are not bound by the ideological narratives of the Cold War, the War on Terror, or military-led nationalism. They see their future in economic opportunity, social mobility, and global connectivity rather than in feudal allegiances or state-manufactured identities.
Digitalization: Access to information has shattered the state's monopoly over narratives. With millions of Pakistanis consuming content via YouTube, Twitter, and WhatsApp, the power to shape public perception no longer rests solely with television channels controlled by the establishment. Alternative media voices, independent journalists, and citizen-led activism have created an environment where state propaganda is contested in real time. Digitalization has made it impossible for the regime to suppress dissent entirely, as every crackdown, every injustice, and every act of suppression is instantly broadcast to a global audience.
Diaspora: Pakistan’s large and politically engaged diaspora has become a formidable force. With financial influence, social capital, and an ability to mobilize international opinion, the diaspora plays a critical role in amplifying domestic struggles on the world stage. Unlike in previous decades, when overseas Pakistanis were largely disconnected from local politics, today they are deeply engaged—funding movements, lobbying foreign governments, and exerting pressure on international institutions. This global connectivity makes it harder for the state to operate with impunity.
Imran Khan is merely a manifestation of this new power equation. His rise and resilience represent the collision between Pakistan’s old and new realities. The regime is not fighting him; they are fighting the era he symbolizes. It is a battle against a generational shift, against technology-driven disruption, and against a globally aware citizenry.
This is a war they cannot win. The tide has already turned.