Pakistan: The Rise of Military Power

A report by the Middle East Media Research Institute, known as MEMRI, says Pakistan is undergoing a major shift in the relationship between its military and civilian government.

The report argues that the military’s influence is no longer limited to defence and national security. It says the military is increasingly playing an important role in Pakistan’s politics, economy and foreign policy.

Pakistan has a long history of military involvement in politics. In the past, military leaders such as Ayub Khan, Zia ul Haq and Pervez Musharraf took direct control of the government.

According to MEMRI, the current situation is different. Rather than taking power through a traditional military coup, the military is strengthening its position while civilian institutions continue to operate.

Growing Military Authority

One of the main issues highlighted by the report is the growing authority of Pakistan’s military leadership.

Changes to the military command structure have strengthened the position of the army chief and expanded his responsibilities across the armed forces. MEMRI argues that these changes have concentrated significant authority within the military leadership and increased its influence over major national security decisions.

Expanding Economic Role

The report also points to the military’s growing involvement in Pakistan’s economy.

It highlights institutions such as the Special Investment Facilitation Council, where senior military officials have been involved in attracting investment and supporting economic decision making.

MEMRI views this involvement as evidence that the military’s role is expanding beyond traditional defence responsibilities.

Political Influence

Political developments are another important part of the report.

MEMRI discusses tensions between the military establishment and opposition forces, particularly supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf party.

The report argues that restrictions on political activity, protests, media organisations and opposition groups have developed alongside the growing influence of the military.

Role in Foreign Policy

The report also examines the military’s increasing role in foreign policy.

Senior military leaders have become more visible in Pakistan’s dealings with foreign governments and international leaders. MEMRI argues that this has made the traditional division between civilian diplomacy and military diplomacy less clear.

As a result, the military leadership is portrayed as having a greater role in decisions that would normally fall mainly under the civilian control.

MEMRI describes this process as the institutionalisation of military power.

The term refers to a situation in which military influence becomes embedded in the formal structures and functioning of the state rather than remaining an informal force operating behind the scenes.

The report does not necessarily suggest that Pakistan has returned to the type of military dictatorship seen under previous rulers. Parliament, political parties, courts and civilian governments continue to exist.

However, MEMRI argues that these institutions may now be operating within a system where the military has considerably greater influence over important national decisions.

Questions for Democracy

The development raises questions about the future of democracy in Pakistan.

If the military continues to increase its influence over politics, economic policy and foreign affairs, civilian governments could have less freedom to make independent decisions. Greater military influence could also affect political competition and the ability of opposition parties to operate freely.

Supporters of a stronger military role, however, may argue that the armed forces are essential to maintaining national security and stability. Pakistan faces security challenges, political divisions and economic difficulties, making the military one of the country’s most powerful institutions.

A Contested Assessment

The MEMRI report should nevertheless be considered critically.

The organisation has its own perspective on political and security issues, and its conclusions should not automatically be treated as neutral assessments. While many of the institutional developments discussed in the report can be examined independently, its broader argument about the long term dominance of the military remains open to debate.

Overall, MEMRI’s central argument is that military power in Pakistan is becoming more deeply embedded in the country’s political and state institutions.

Rather than relying solely on direct military rule, the military is, according to the report, strengthening its influence through constitutional, political, economic and security structures.

If this trend continues, it could have significant and lasting consequences for civilian authority, democratic competition and the balance of power in Pakistan.