For any sovereign state, the internal political dynamics are crucial to the country’s identity, governance and self-governance. Pakistan, with its rich and complex political history, is at a critical juncture as elections approach. These elections are not just routine democratic occasions but a key factor in determining the country’s future trajectory. However, the involvement of external powers, particularly the United States, in Pakistan’s internal affairs and especially its democratic process raises major concerns. This article aims to explore the implications of such interference and contrast it with the United States’ apparent disregard for pressing humanitarian issues such as the Gaza crisis.
Sovereignty is the cornerstone of international relations and the right of every nation to govern itself without outside interference. Pakistan’s elections are an internal matter and reflect the will of the people. The principle of self-determination enshrined in international law underscores the importance of allowing states to pursue their own political paths autonomously.
In recent years, Pakistan has faced numerous challenges, from economic instability to security threats. The upcoming elections are an opportunity for Pakistanis to voice their concerns and choose leaders who can effectively address these issues. Any outside interference in this process undermines democratic principles and calls into question the legitimacy of the election results.
The history of U.S.-Pakistan relations is complex, alternating between periods of close cooperation and significant tension. The United States has historically viewed Pakistan through the prism of its own strategic interests, particularly in the context of South Asia and the broader geopolitical situation. More recently, allegations of U.S. interference in Pakistan’s democratization process have emerged. These allegations range from influencing election outcomes to supporting certain political factions. These actions are viewed as attempts to shape Pakistan’s political landscape to align with U.S. interests rather than respecting the autonomous will of the Pakistani electorate.
While the US is involved in Pakistan’s internal affairs, it is at the same time turning a blind eye to the imminent humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza, where a blockade has been in place for over a decade with severe humanitarian consequences. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in numerous deaths, destroyed infrastructure and a worsening humanitarian crisis.
The United States, Israel’s main ally, has often been criticized for its biased approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Despite numerous reports highlighting human rights violations and dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the U.S. response has generally been lukewarm. This stark contrast in attention and involvement raises questions about the consistency and motivations of U.S. foreign policy.
A glaring double standard in US foreign policy is evident: on the one hand, the US defends democracy and human rights and often justifies intervention in other countries on these grounds, but on the other hand, selective US engagement, such as interfering in the democratic processes of sovereign states while ignoring serious humanitarian crises, betrays hypocrisy.
“The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent international attention and intervention. The United States, with its significant influence and resources, has the ability to play a constructive role in alleviating the suffering of the Gazans. But the United States’ continued support for policies that exacerbate the conflict and its unwillingness to hold all parties accountable for human rights violations demonstrates that the United States has very different objectives.
External interference in Pakistan’s democracy not only undermines the nation’s sovereignty, but also destabilizes the political environment. Such interference can lead to polarization, undermine public confidence in democratic institutions, and fuel anti-American sentiment. It also hinders efforts to address the real challenges facing the country, including economic issues, security concerns, and social development.
For Pakistan to achieve political stability and democratic maturity, it is essential that its electoral process is free from outside influence. Pakistanis must have the autonomy to choose their own leaders and determine the future of their country, free from outside manipulation.
International actors, including the United States, must respect Pakistan’s sovereignty and refrain from interfering in its domestic political process. This respect is essential to maintaining international peace and stability. The United States should adopt a more balanced approach to foreign policy and ensure that its actions are consistent with its professed values of democracy and human rights. It should prioritize responding to humanitarian crises like Gaza. Similarly, rather than interfering in its domestic politics, the United States and other international actors should engage constructively with Pakistan and support its democratic institutions and socio-economic development. The international community should hold all parties accountable for human rights violations and work towards a just resolution of conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Pakistan’s elections are an internal matter that all external parties, including the United States, must respect. Interference in Pakistan’s democratic process undermines the principles of sovereignty and self-determination and leads to instability and distrust. At the same time, the United States’ failure to address humanitarian crises like Gaza exposes double standards in foreign policy. For a more stable and just world, it is essential to build international relations with respect for sovereignty, balanced engagement, and a genuine commitment to human rights and democracy.
