Military Dominance in Pakistan Politics: Strategic Shield or Silent Threat?

Military dominance in Pakistan politics has remained a defining feature of the country’s statecraft since its inception. This dominance is often viewed as a strategic necessity—Pakistan is a geopolitically fragile state in a volatile region. But the same military presence in governance also invites criticism as a silent threat to democratic development, institutional balance, and long-term peace.

In his landmark book “Pakistan: The Garrison State“, Swedish-Pakistani scholar Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed traces the roots, rise, and repercussions of military control over Pakistan’s political architecture. The book, translated into Urdu as “Pakistan: Ibtida, Irtiqa aur Nataij (1947–2011)“ by M. Waseem, offers a deep and unbiased examination of how and why the military came to dominate every sphere of national life—from foreign policy and security to economy and even religion.

Strategic Shield: Why the Military Took Charge

Military dominance in Pakistan politics is often justified through the lens of regional insecurity. The wars of 1948, 1965, and 1971 with India, combined with the Siachen and Kargil conflicts, created a national narrative of perpetual threat. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed notes how the state evolved into a “garrison state”—one where the military is not just a defender of borders but a controller of the nation’s ideological and political direction.

The military establishment filled the power vacuum left by weak civilian institutions and unstable governments. Strategic decisions like nuclear deterrence and alignment with global powers during the Cold War further entrenched its supremacy. In such an environment, the military was seen by many as a shield, protecting Pakistan from both external threats and internal chaos.

Silent Threat: Undermining Democracy and Civil Authority

However, military dominance in Pakistan politics also manifests as a silent threat. Civilian leaders are often sidelined or coerced, foreign policy is moulded behind closed doors, and dissent is suppressed in the name of national security. This imbalance has undermined democracy, weakened institutions, and alienated civil society.

The book’s Urdu translation particularly highlights the period surrounding Pakistan’s nuclear tests in May 1998. As pressure mounted from global powers like the U.S. to not respond to India’s tests, domestic voices—including political opposition and allies like Saudi Arabia—demanded a strong response. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, caught between international sanctions and public sentiment, eventually authorized the nuclear tests. While the decision was cheered nationally, it led to severe economic consequences. Dr. Ishtiaq argues that such decisions were heavily influenced by the military’s strategic calculus, not just elected civilian will.

The Garrison Model: A Long-Term Cost?

Military dominance in Pakistan politics has also come at a heavy cost. From General Zia’s Islamization policies to General Musharraf’s post-9/11 strategy, the military has shaped not just policy but also national identity. The over-reliance on military solutions has stifled political dialogue and civic engagement. Meanwhile, the economy has suffered from misaligned priorities, and regional diplomacy remains hostage to strategic fears.

The Way Forward: Redefining Roles

To escape the cycle of strategic overreach and institutional imbalance, Pakistan must aim for clearer boundaries between civil and military domains. Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed emphasizes the need for political maturity, civilian supremacy, and a well-informed electorate. Without this, the garrison mindset will continue to define national priorities—often at the expense of peace, pluralism, and prosperity.

Military dominance in Pakistan politics, if not rebalanced, risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy of insecurity. What once began as a strategic shield may yet evolve into a silent threat that weakens the very state it seeks to protect.

Conclusion

Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed’s work is not just a critique but a call for introspection. His research opens the door for honest discourse around the power structure of Pakistan. Thanks to its accessible Urdu translation, the general public can now engage with these insights beyond academic circles. Platforms like AwazeUrdu make such scholarship even more relevant by bringing it to the ears—and minds—of curious listeners.

If Pakistan hopes to move beyond its current geopolitical anxieties, the dominance of the military over politics must be transformed—not erased, but redefined with accountability, transparency, and constitutional clarity.

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Experience a powerful excerpt from Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed’s acclaimed book “The Punjab: Bloodied, Partitioned and Cleansed”—available now on AwazeUrdu.