In my discussions with some folks (well positioned) with military circles there is a sense of confusion all around.
People are in a state of dazed confusion as to what is happening. To be honest, nothing these days is making sense to anyone.
There is a calculation that is simplistic, where there is a strong belief that internal factions within the Army (China vs US) are going at each other, and this is giving space to political forces around this process (that is also being maneuvered to support). The US faction has won the day (and this is main prize, not PTI and PML, which is a side-show - the main robbery is within the Army that people are not understanding), but only 10 years ago, this was not even a question of where the Establishment sat (was squarely in the US camp). Of late that was no longer very clear, and the shift towards China was intense, hence this harsh corrective action by Uncle Sam and his supporters in the old guard of the Establishment.
My sense is that what we have see in these last few days, is an internal coup within the military meant to slow down the slide towards China. IK was a price that was paid, as he was not stopping or slowing this move Eastward. Now with PML the slide will slow down. New Chief will be US leaning, which means all critical appointments and postings will align back to the US.
This is my calculus as to what is currently happening. The political drama is only one leg to a 4 legged stool.