Rory Stewart, former Secretary of State for International Development, and Alastair Campbell, former Communications Director at No. 10, say that “Pakistan is a Democracy under a Military Government”
Rory Stewart, the former UK Secretary of State for International Development, made pointed remarks about Pakistan in the latest episode of his podcast “The Rest is Politics”, co-hosted with Alastair Campbell, former Communications Director at No. 10 during prime minister Tony Blair.
Stewart described Pakistan as a “democracy under a military government,” sparking fresh debate on the country’s political dynamics.
He specifically referred to General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army. According to Stewart, Munir has grown into a powerful military leader and an influential and conservative political figure within Pakistan’s political landscape. Stewart highlighted Munir’s central role in the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan and emphasised how the military continues to shape the country’s decisions from behind the scenes.
In the episode, titled “Rory Tries to Explain the India-Pakistan Conflict in 5 Minutes,” both Alastair and Rory attempted to break down the factors that have fuelled tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. They discussed the aftermath of India’s missile strikes in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir—known as Operation Sindoor—carried out in retaliation for the April attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, where 26 Indian tourists were killed in a militant ambush.
The duo explored possible responses from Pakistan. Rory warned that, with no comparable “terrorist bases” to target within India, Pakistan might resort to striking Indian military assets. Such a move, he cautioned, could escalate the conflict further, risking more civilian casualties. Stewart added that the current wave of nationalism, rising under Asim Munir’s leadership, might eventually push Pakistan into adopting an even more aggressive stance.
The episode underscored the growing tension surrounding the fragile peace in South Asia and the unpredictable consequences of rising nationalism, cross-border strikes, and the military’s deepening grip on politics. As hostilities escalate, the risk of a broader conflict seems more imminent than ever.
