In this final episode, Ilhan Niaz in his book "The Culture of Power & Governance of Pakistan 1947-2008" states that since 1988, Pakistan has seen a persistent consolidation of arbitrary rule, where the state machinery and bureaucracy exhibit high levels of arbitrariness driven by political interests and day-to-day functioning.
He further stated that efforts to reduce this chaos are met with resistance from both bureaucratic and political leadership, further entrenching a system that thrives on disorder. An example of this is the elections in Pakistan since 1988, which have been marred by allegations of manipulation, undermining their credibility. Each government that comes to power faces a crisis of legitimacy, with opposition parties subjected to state oppression, often with military backing. Ironically, when these governments lose the military's favour, they become victims of the system they once relied upon.
Mainstream political parties have increasingly relied on pandering to religious sentiments, further marginalizing secular political options. Judicial populism briefly promised a semblance of independence, but since 2022, even this hope has diminished. The judiciary, once a potential counterbalance, has become less assertive, adding to the governance void.
As of now, Pakistan is a fractured state struggling to establish legitimacy and maintain coherent governance. The interplay between military dominance, political opportunism, and bureaucratic arbitrariness has left the country mired in a cycle of instability, with little progress toward a sustainable democratic future.