Publication

This paper analyzes from a political economy point of view the structural and institutional foundations and factors that allowed Pakistani President General Pervez Musharraf a mostly untroubled time in office. It reviews Pakistan's development before Musharraf's rise to power, explores the economic changes that took place under his regime and looks at the impact of the incidents of 11 September 2001 and related help mainly from the US. Subsequently, it addresses Pakistan's record of militant Islamism, points to the shortcomings of civil society and reviews factors that have weakened Musharraf's presidency.