The Role of the Pakistani Army in Shaping the State

In this research proposal, I aim to delve into the complex role of the Pakistani army in the perceived downfall of the Pakistani state. This investigation is crucial for understanding the intricate dynamics that define Pakistan as a garrison state. Many scholars globally have labeled Pakistan as a failing or even a failed state, while the characterization of it as a rogue state is not unheard of. Whether Pakistan has truly failed or is on the brink of failure remains a critical question this paper seeks to address.

Additionally, the exploration will extend to examine the influence of Islam on the current state of affairs.

Historical Context and Military Rule

To fully comprehend Pakistan's political landscape, it is essential to explore its historical context and the long-standing military rule. This section will also assess potential signs of revival, if any, based on the validity of the assertion regarding the army's role. We will untangle the complex nature of the Pakistani state, expanding our perspective to better understand its character. This involves analyzing the factors that have shaped Pakistan's identity, ultimately leading to conclusions about its current state and potential pathways to improvement. Furthermore, this analysis will include insights into why Pakistan diverged from India's path, despite both nations beginning their journeys simultaneously. India emerged as the world's largest democracy, while Pakistan remains politically unstable, marked by periods of direct military rule and religious, economic, and ethnic strife.

The rule of law in Pakistan has frequently been undermined by military intervention. According to Hamza Alavi, Pakistan's politics is primarily dictated by what he terms the 'bureaucratic-military oligarchy,' followed by the political and landed elite. The army, emerging as the most influential institution since the post-colonial era, has not only infiltrated the state apparatus but has also established a significant presence in the economic sphere.

Early Military Interventions

Pakistan's political history is marked by unsought developments, including three military coups in its 73-year existence since independence from British India. The frequent changes in leadership, with eight different Prime Ministers in the first seven years, highlight the challenges Pakistan faces in curtailing the military's role in public life. A stark contrast exists between military coups in Pakistan and those in other countries like Ecuador and Venezuela, where power was promptly handed back to a responsible political authority.

The first military coup in 1958, led by Ayub Khan, disrupted Pakistan's democratic governance. The second coup in 1977, orchestrated by Zia ul Haq, significantly influenced modern-day Pakistan until Benazir Bhutto's return to power in 1988. The third coup in 1999 saw Pervez Musharraf seize control from Nawaz Sharif, further entrenching the army's influence.

The army's role is not always overt; it has mastered the art of influencing decision-making processes from behind the scenes. Understanding the army's enduring prominence requires examining popular support and mobilization, solidarity within the armed forces, and the inability of foreign powers to prevent military participation.

Factors Shaping Army Dominance

The army's dominance in state-building is rooted in several factors: a struggling economy, a refugee crisis involving 6-8 million people, administrative challenges in governing a divided Pakistan, political elite disagreements, regional autonomy issues, and the role of Islam. Ethnic diversity further complicates these dynamics, with major groups such as Punjabis, Mohajirs, Balochs, Sindhis, and Pathans having varying roles and levels of influence in the state-building process.

The army's influence is partly fueled by Pakistan's obsession with India, its neighboring giant. This fixation has allowed the army to position itself as the savior in Pakistan's existential crisis. The 'policy tripod,' as described by Husain Haqqani, involves foreign assistance from the West, a mosque-military alliance, and the Fauji Foundation, a commercial conglomerate providing welfare and employment for army personnel. This foundation strengthens the army's grip on the nation by fostering loyalty and security among its ranks.

Pakistan's geopolitical role remains perplexing, characterized by its associations with the United States and support for the Taliban in Afghanistan. The country's democratic relationship is tenuous, and it faces existential threats rooted in its own narrative.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, political indifference and apathy pervade the public sphere, with officials driven by personal interests exacerbating the nation's woes. The challenge lies in shifting from a military-dominated state to one where democracy and civil rule can flourish, fostering a more stable and prosperous future for Pakistan.

References

Kalia, Ravi. “Pakistan: From the Rhetoric of Democracy to the Rise of Military Oligarchy.” Journal of Third World Studies, vol. 32, no. 1, 2015, pp. 125-139.

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