Opinion | Pakistan’s Army Chief vs Democratic Values: A Geopolitical Perspective

Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has alternated between fragile democratic systems and military rule. At the centre of this dynamic is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a position that often holds more power than the elected civilian leadership

Pakistan’s political history is deeply intertwined with its military establishment, which has played a decisive role in shaping the country’s political, economic, and strategic direction. Since its independence in 1947, Pakistan has alternated between fragile democratic systems and military rule. At the centre of this dynamic is the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a position that often holds more power than the elected civilian leadership. General Asim Munir, appointed Army Chief in November 2022, epitomizes the military’s enduring influence in Pakistan’s internal and external affairs. Pakistan presents itself as a democracy, with a Prime Minister elected through popular vote, yet this democracy remains fragile and largely fabricated. While the global narrative suggests that decisions are made in the National Assembly, in reality, they are often dictated from the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). In the eyes of many geopolitical analysts, the Prime Minister of Pakistan is not so much elected as appointed by the COAS, highlighting the deep-rooted influence of the military over Pakistan’s political processes.

The Military’s Historic Role in Pakistan

Pakistan’s military has long been more than a traditional defence force. From the first coup in 1958 led by General Ayub Khan to the rule of subsequent generals like Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf, the military has governed Pakistan for over three decades. Even during periods of civilian government, the military has maintained significant influence over foreign policy, national security, and, at times, economic decision-making. The military justifies its interventions by citing national security threats, corruption, and inefficiency among civilian leaders. However, this has created a cycle where democratic institutions remain weak, and civilian governments struggle to assert their authority, leaving the military as the ultimate power broker.

General Asim Munir: Consolidating Power

Upon his appointment as Army Chief, General Asim Munir quickly consolidated his authority, both within the military and across Pakistan’s political landscape. Unlike his predecessors, who often maintained a low profile, Munir has been assertive in internal and external affairs. His leadership style is marked by centralization, discipline, and an active role in political matters. One of Munir’s notable moves was to expand the military’s involvement in Pakistan’s economic affairs. Through the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the army has directly influenced economic policy, ostensibly to attract foreign investment. While presented as a means to stimulate the economy, critics argue that it undermines civilian oversight and further entrenches military control over key sectors.

Democratic Values Under Strain

The growing concentration of power in the hands of the army, particularly under General Munir, has significant consequences for democratic norms in Pakistan. For example, the extension of Munir’s tenure from three to five years passed with minimal parliamentary debate. This move has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil society groups, who argue that it undermines civilian supremacy and sets a dangerous precedent for future military interventions. The military’s dominance also extends to its handling of dissent. Political figures, particularly those affiliated with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, have faced arrest, harassment, and legal challenges. Media outlets critical of the army have been pressured or censored, fostering a climate of fear and self-censorship. This erosion of free speech and political pluralism further weakens Pakistan’s democratic fabric.

Geopolitical Implications

India-Pakistan Relations: The military’s influence has profoundly shaped Pakistan’s approach to India, especially regarding the terror related activities in Kashmir. Kashmir remains central to Pakistan’s foreign policy and military strategy, with the army viewing its stance on the region as integral to national security. General Munir, a hardliner on Kashmir and former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has maintained a hostile and terror-oriented approach, emphasizing Pakistan’s baseless territorial claims and strategic interests in the region. This aggressive posture complicates efforts for dialogue and peaceful resolution. Civilian leaders advocating for diplomacy often face resistance from the military, which views any compromise as a threat to its interests. Pakistan’s support for terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, who day in and day out carry out terrorist attacks in India, mainly Kashmir further complicates the bilateral relationship, presenting a direct threat to India’s security, citizens and sovereignty, hence fostering a persistent state of tension, terrorism and undermining prospects for peace.

Afghanistan and Counterterrorism: Pakistan’s military also plays a critical role in shaping the country’s policy towards Afghanistan and counterterrorism. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the return of the Taliban have created new security challenges. Munir’s strategy has been to strengthen border controls and increase military operations against militant groups in the region. However, critics argue that the military’s focus on security often detracts from political solutions and development initiatives, with limited civilian oversight hindering long-term strategies.

Relations with China and the USA: The military is central to Pakistan’s foreign relations, particularly its partnerships with China and the United States. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a key project in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is primarily managed by the military, which ensures the security of investments and facilitates strategic cooperation. Similarly, Pakistan’s relations with the US, especially regarding counterterrorism and regional security, are largely controlled by the military, leaving little room for civilian input or independent foreign policy direction.

Public Discontent and the Struggle for Democracy

Despite the military’s dominance, growing public discontent challenges the status quo. Pakistan’s younger population, urban middle class, and civil society groups increasingly demand greater accountability, transparency, and respect for democratic processes. Social media has become a powerful platform for expressing frustrations, making it harder for the military to control the narrative.

The military’s crackdown on opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led by Imran Khan, has galvanized public protests and attracted international criticism. The military’s heavy-handed approach to political dissent has been condemned as a violation of human rights and an obstacle to Pakistan’s democratic development.

The Way Forward: Balancing Security and Democracy

For Pakistan to move forward, it must strike a delicate balance between the military’s legitimate role in national security and the need to strengthen democratic institutions. This requires a commitment to the rule of law, respect for civil liberties, and creating mechanisms for civilian oversight of the military. Reforms should focus on empowering parliament, ensuring judicial independence, and protecting press freedoms. Civil-military relations must be recalibrated to ensure that the army serves the state, not the other way around. International partners can play a role by encouraging good governance, transparency, and respect for human rights, which can help foster a more democratic environment.

General Asim Munir’s tenure as Army Chief highlights the ongoing tension between military dominance and democratic values in Pakistan. While the military’s role in national security is undeniable, its pervasive control over political and economic affairs has impeded the growth of democratic institutions. Pakistan’s future stability and prosperity depend on restoring the balance between civilian authority and military power. By fostering a political culture that values accountability, pluralism, and the rule of law, Pakistan can unlock its potential as a democratic state and a responsible actor on the global stage.

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