Ak-84
Banned
I think you are making the same mistake that American diplomats have made. Pakistan is a Muslim country. It's not an "Arab" country. Most American diplomats in South Asia have copied the approach that worked in the ME, that makes friends with the local strongman. In the ME, everyone owes their position to the strongman. When he goes, everything is up for grabs. In the South Asian context, its the institutions which rule (not necessarily democratic ones). The top man is one who represents the institutions or institution which governs (military, civil service, judiciary business community, social groups). If he goes, then everything else stays and they decide what the next get up it.
If Saddam or Gaddaffi goes, then the policeman and judge, hell even a schoolteacher's position goes with it. In Pakistan (and S Asia generally) the Policeman owes his position to the Police, the Judge to the Judiciary, s/he continue as before. Which is why Pakistan has weathered a multitude of crises which would have sunk ME nations, hell far less sunk Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt.
Anatol Lieven mentions this in Pakistan: A Hard Country
ETA: In reply to @Whiteshore
If Saddam or Gaddaffi goes, then the policeman and judge, hell even a schoolteacher's position goes with it. In Pakistan (and S Asia generally) the Policeman owes his position to the Police, the Judge to the Judiciary, s/he continue as before. Which is why Pakistan has weathered a multitude of crises which would have sunk ME nations, hell far less sunk Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt.
Anatol Lieven mentions this in Pakistan: A Hard Country
ETA: In reply to @Whiteshore