The correct answer is Option (2) → (A), (C) and (D) only
-
(A) The social dominance of the military, clergy and landowning aristocracy: This is a major factor. The social dominance of the military, clergy, and landowning aristocracy has led to the frequent overthrow of elected governments and the establishment of military government. Pakistan’s conflict with India has made the pro military groups more powerful.
-
(B) Removal of Zia-ul-Haq: This statement is incorrect. The removal of General Zia-ul-Haq, a military dictator, was a step towards democracy, not a cause of its failure. His rule, however, was a key example of the military's role in undermining democracy.
-
(C) The lack of genuine international support: This is a contributing factor. The lack of genuine international support for democratic rule in Pakistan has further encouraged the military to continue its dominance. The United States and other Western countries have encouraged the military’s authoritarian rule in the past, for their own reasons. Given their fear of the threat of what they call ‘global Islamic terrorism’ and the apprehension that Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal might fall into the hands of these terrorist groups, the military regime in Pakistan has been seen as the protector of Western interests in West Asia and South Asia.
-
(D) The United States' threat perception about global Islamic terrorism: This is also a significant factor. The U.S. has often used Pakistan as a base for its military operations in the region, particularly after 9/11. This has led to a closer relationship with the military establishment, which is seen as the primary force for combating terrorism, thereby strengthening the military's power and undermining democratic institutions.
|
