The history of Pakistan since its inception has been marked by a precarious balance of power between its civilian governments and its powerful military establishment. Unlike nations where the armed forces are strictly subordinate to elected officials, the Pakistani military has often acted as a de facto political force, influencing policy, subverting democratic processes, and even seizing control through coups. Moving toward a system of genuine civilian supremacy is a generational challenge that requires a multi-pronged approach, focusing on institutional reform, economic transparency, and a fundamental shift in political culture.
A crucial first step is to strengthen Pakistan's civilian institutions. A truly independent judiciary, free from coercion and influence, is paramount. Such a body could enforce the rule of law and hold all institutions, including the military, accountable for their actions. Similarly, the parliament must become the ultimate authority on all matters of state. This entails giving elected representatives full and final say over the defense budget, foreign policy, and national security matters, effectively ending the military's behind-the-scenes influence.
Furthermore, economic reform is essential to curbing the military’s power. The military's vast, and largely unaudited, business empire provides it with immense economic leverage and political independence. Bringing these commercial enterprises under public scrutiny and ensuring they are taxed like other businesses would weaken their financial foundation. By fostering a level playing field for private civilian companies, the government could begin to dismantle the economic pillars that sustain military overreach. This effort would also require a more transparent defense budget, subject to rigorous parliamentary oversight, to ensure public funds are being used responsibly and not to further entrench the military's political role.
The Soviet-Afghan War and subsequent conflicts have also exposed a deeper issue: the military's use of non-state actors as a tool of foreign policy, a concept often referred to as strategic depth. This strategy has led to accusations of the military sponsoring and sheltering terrorist groups to gain influence in the region. To subdue this dangerous policy and end the military's financial and defensive support for such groups, it is imperative to remove them from their dominant position in policymaking. A military that is answerable to a civilian government would be less likely to pursue such high-risk, destabilizing strategies that have, in turn, fueled instability within Pakistan itself.
Moreover, the military's pervasive influence has a direct hand in perpetuating the country's lack of economic progress and widespread poverty. By consistently blocking the voices of the public against the military establishment, a climate of impunity is created. This allows the military to maintain the status quo, which often serves its own institutional interests at the expense of genuine economic reform and social development. When citizens are unable to hold their most powerful institution accountable, the incentives for good governance and inclusive growth are severely diminished.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, a shift in Pakistan's political and social culture is necessary. For decades, a cycle has existed where rival politicians have sought the military’s support to undermine their opponents. Breaking this pattern requires political parties to unite around shared democratic principles and to resolve their differences through constitutional means. An empowered and free press is also vital for holding institutions accountable and informing the public about the true nature of power dynamics.
The task of establishing civilian supremacy in Pakistan is not about dismantling the armed forces, which are necessary for national defense. Instead, it is about redefining their role to be in service of the people’s elected government. This is a profound and difficult endeavor, but it is the necessary path for Pakistan to become a stable, prosperous, and truly democratic state.