CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONSHIP IN PAKISTAN.

INTRODUCTION:
 Pakistan is a prisoner of its geography and history. It’s strategic location at
the cusp of the middle East, Persian Gulf and South Asia and at the door of
Central and China gives it significance on the regional and global scene.
 Its proximity to a large and dominating neighbors’, India, shapes Pakistan
foreign and defense policies on the one hand and informs its domestic
debates on the other.
 The presence of nuclear weapons and missile delivery systems in both
Indian and Pakistani hands makes this an even more volatile region than in
the past.
 At the same time, Pakistan’s historical wars with Indian constantly revive
memories of the past and have thrust the Pakistani military into the center of
decision making on issues related to its foreign policy, especially policy
toward Indian (Kashmir especially) and Afghanistan, as well as nuclear
matters
 The civil-military relationship in Pakistan has historically been characterized
by periods of military rule interspersed with civilian governments.
 The military has wielded significant influence in the country's politics and
governance since its inception in 1947.

HISTORY:
 Pakistan’s political reins have been effectively in the hands of the Army
since its independence.
 The country is wracked by internal divisions between provinces and between
the forces of modernism and militant and radical Islam.
 Here's a brief overview:
EARLY YEARS (1947-1958):
 Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, emphasized civilian control of
the military.
  However, the military began to play a more prominent role in politics during
this period.
FIRST MILITARY RULE (1958-1971):
 General Ayub Khan took power in a coup in 1958, marking the first military
rule in Pakistan.
 His era brought economic development but also political repression and
limited civil liberties.
CIVILIAN INTERLUDE (1971-1977):
 After the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh, civilian rule was briefly
restored under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
SECOND MILITARY RULE (1977-1988):
 General Zia-ul-Haq took power through a coup in 1977.
 His regime was marked by Islamization of laws and policies, and Pakistan's
support for Afghan mujahedeen during the Soviet-Afghan War.
RETURN TO CIVILIAN RULE (1988-1999):
 After General Zia's death in 1988, civilian governments led by various
parties came to power.
THIRD MILITARY RULE (1999-2008):
 General Pervez Musharraf seized power in a coup in 1999.
 His tenure saw Pakistan becoming a key U.S. ally in the War on Terror.
RETURN TO CIVILIAN RULE (2008-2013):
 General elections in 2008 brought civilian rule back under President Asif Ali
Zardari and Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani.
RECENT YEARS (2013-PRESENT):
 Civilian rule has alternated with military influence, with the military often
seen as exerting significant behind-the-scenes control.
 The 2018 general elections brought Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf
(PTI) party to power, with the military allegedly playing a role in his rise.
The civil-military relationship in Pakistan remains complex and has a significant
impact on the country's stability and governance. It has been marked by a recurring
struggle for power between civilian and military institutions, with the military
historically holding substantial influence over foreign and security policies.

KEY POINTS OF CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONSHIP:

 Key points in the civil-military relationship in Pakistan include:
Periods of Military Rule:
Pakistan has experienced several military coups and extended periods of military
rule, including those led by figures like Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez
Musharraf. These military leaders often cited reasons such as corruption and
political instability for their takeovers.
Civilian Governments:
Pakistan has also seen periods of civilian rule, but these governments have often
faced challenges in asserting authority over the military. Civilian leaders have been
at odds with the military on issues such as foreign policy, security, and budget
allocation.
Role of the Military:
The Pakistani military has significant influence not only in defense and security
matters but also in economic and political spheres. The military's Inter-Services
Intelligence (ISI) agency is known to play a role in domestic politics and foreign
affairs.
National Security Concerns:
Pakistan's complex security environment, including its rivalry with India and
involvement in the Afghan conflict, has often given the military a prominent role
in shaping national security policy.
Democratic Transitions:
In recent years, Pakistan has made efforts to strengthen its democracy.
Transitioning between civilian and military rule has become less frequent, with
elections being held at regular intervals.
Civil-Military Tensions:
Despite efforts to establish democratic norms, tensions between civilian
governments and the military persist. Disputes over control of foreign policy,
security policy, and economic decision-making continue to challenge civilian
authority.
Public Perception:
Public opinion in Pakistan about the military's role in politics varies. Some
segments of the population view the military as a stabilizing force, while others
advocate for a more pronounced civilian role in governance.

CONCLUSION:
In a nutshell, Pakistan's civil-military relationship has been marked by a historical
struggle for power and influence between civilian governments and the military
establishment. While there have been periods of civilian rule, the military
continues to play a significant role in shaping the country's political landscape and
national security policies.