Opinion | Pakistan: A Nation in the Shadows of its Military

The insidious grip of the military on Pakistan’s democratic institutions has wreaked havoc, sowing political instability that spirals into economic crises, lawlessness, and ultimately, widespread violence and unrest. The Army’s persistent meddling in civil affairs has systematically eroded the foundations of democracy.
In the tumultuous year of 1947, two nations emerged from the shadows of colonial rule, India and Pakistan. With a newfound independence, both embarked on the arduous journey of nation-building. However, their paths have diverged significantly in the decades that followed. Fast forward to today, and India stands on the precipice of technological prowess, with achievements like the Chandrayaan mission to the moon. In contrast, Pakistan grapples with the most basic of essentials for its citizens—adequate electricity, food, and employment remain elusive. In a world where 500 Mbps internet speeds are now a dream, India has already launched 5G internet across nearly 80% of its vast expanse. Meanwhile, Pakistan struggles to provide its citizens with 4G connectivity, an aspiration yet to be fulfilled. India’s citizens benefit from electricity, free ration programs, health subsidies, and a host of other social welfare initiatives. In contrast, Pakistan remains ensnared in a relentless struggle for political, economic, and geographic stability. This dichotomy begs a fundamental question: How is it that two nations born in the same year have charted such contrasting trajectories? The answer lies in the undeniable influence of the Pakistani Army, a shadowy force that has wielded immense power and influence, often at the expense of the nation’s progress. The disparity is stark, and it’s high time we confront the root of the issue.

It’s often said that while most countries have an army, Pakistan appears to be a case where the army has its own country. The Pakistani military exerts colossal influence as a kingmaker, even when not formally in power – a situation that has recurred for nearly half of Pakistan’s 76-year history. The Pakistan Army is not just a guardian; it’s a state within a state, a force that consistently intervenes in political affairs. This intervention commenced as early as 1958 when General Ayub Khan spearheaded the abolition of the constitutional regime established by the 1956 Constitution. Subsequently, the military staged three coups in October 1958, July 1977, and October 1999, solidifying its grip on the nation’s fate.
Pakistan’s military has long been a dominant force in the country’s political landscape, with a history marked by coups, direct rule, and pervasive influence over civilian governments. While a strong military is a cornerstone of national defense, Pakistan’s case is unique, as its army has played a significant role in destabilizing the nation. This article explores how Pakistan’s army has contributed to political instability, security challenges, and economic underdevelopment within the country. Let us discuss how this military rule has had devastating effects on Pakistan.
The Pakistani Army has redirected its funds towards supporting terrorism, aided significantly by the ISI. This has resulted in the miserable living conditions for the people, while their own relatives are placed in high-ranking positions across various sectors, from defence to administration. While it’s understandable for a country to allocate a significant portion of its budget to defence for safeguarding sovereignty, in Pakistan, it’s the army and ISI that wield disproportionate power, determining their own budget at the expense of the common citizen’s well-being. By accumulating substantial loans from organizations like the IMF and utilizing them for their own interests, without regard for Pakistan’s progress, the country has been pushed to the brink of bankruptcy.
In a significant move aimed at bolstering the economic prospects of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented an interim Budget of Rs 1.18 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. This interim Budget outlines a clear roadmap for fiscal management and growth-oriented policies, setting a positive tone for the region’s economic trajectory. Notably, this amount surpasses by approximately 4.5 times the funds Pakistan is seeking from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to address its economic crisis. A mission from the Washington-based global lender reviewed Pakistan’s economic performance during the first three months of the fiscal year – from July to September 2023. In January, the IMF approved a $700 million (approximately Rs. 5 thousand crore) loan tranche for Pakistan under the package, following the completion of its first review of the country’s economic reform program. Pakistan, a country claiming to be nuclear-powered, democratic, welfare-oriented, and peaceful, finds itself reliant on loans from the IMF to sustain its entire nation. Meanwhile, India, which gained independence in the same year, is allocating a budget to just one of its Union Territories that is 4.75 times greater than the loans Pakistan is seeking to manage its entire country. This stark contrast is particularly striking given the influential role the country’s military plays as the king-maker.
The insidious grip of the military on Pakistan’s democratic institutions has wreaked havoc, sowing political instability that spirals into economic crises, lawlessness, and ultimately, widespread violence and unrest. The Army’s persistent meddling in civil affairs has systematically eroded the foundations of democracy. As I highlighted earlier, the skewed allocation of Pakistan’s budget heavily favors the military, transforming its top brass into de facto landlords, basking in ministerial protocols. This power dynamic has relentlessly drained the nation’s coffers, plunging its citizens into poverty and depriving them of even the most basic necessities. In a desperate bid to offset this economic instability, the Pakistani Army shamelessly bartered its own citizens for the cause of terrorism. The blatant truths surrounding the Pakistan Army are no longer concealed. Whether it’s the sinister promotion of narco-terrorism in J&K, the brutalities inflicted on the people of POJK, or its complicity in global terrorist acts like 9/11, Pakistan has earned a notorious reputation as a breeding ground for terrorism on the world stage.
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