Role of Military in National Security of Pakistan: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

This article examines how, since Pakistan's independence in 1947, military might has influenced the framework for national security in that nation. The significance of the military for territorial defense and internal security is discussed, emphasizing its ongoing role in protecting Pakistan's sovereignty, particularly in view of the country's ongoing conflicts with India. The concept of nuclear prohibition as an essential part of Pakistan's defensive posture against India is also taken into consideration, with a focus on the military's crucial role in developing the country's nuclear strategy. The study also criticizes the country's military-dominated government, which has been impeding democratic progress and socioeconomic development through years of authoritarian rule and military takeovers. The impact of the military's pervasive presence on Pakistan's foreign policy, specifically, its relations with China, the United States, and Afghanistan is also considered. The military's capacity to manage both internal and external threats at the same time is also investigated about internal security concerns, such as how to resolve ethnic and sectarian conflicts and carry out counterinsurgency operations. The paper highlights the difficulties of the military's hegemony over civilian government and long-term development, even as it acknowledges the military's critical role in maintaining national security. It ultimately makes the case for a balanced approach to security that blends military might with democratic and developmental aspirations in order to guarantee long-term peace and stability in Pakistan.