Pakistan’s Army:From Protector to Oppressor? (Cover Story)

On the occasion of Pakistan Day, the 23rd of March, the Pakistani Army staged a display of its might, yet behind this facade of power lies a stark truth. Today, the Pakistani Army finds itself internally divided and increasingly weakened, primarily due to its brutal treatment of its own citizenry and its misguided policies in combating terrorism.

Of late, terrorist attacks against the Pakistani Army have increased, but even more grave is the fact that the military has begun to oppress its own people, igniting the flames of dissent amongst the lower ranks. Discontent within the ranks is swiftly rising, with various reports indicating deep resentment among the rank and file. Many soldiers are now openly demanding the resignation of the Army Chief. This internal division and such a state of dissension have cast serious doubts upon the effectiveness of the military.

The Pakistani Army’s ‘anti-terrorism’ campaigns appear to be utterly failing. These campaigns, founded solely on repression and tyranny, have neither eradicated terrorism nor garnered popular support. The arrest of peaceful protesters, such as Mehrang Baloch in Balochistan, on charges of terrorism only serves to escalate discontent among the local populace. This brutality has further incensed the people of Balochistan, and the number of protests there is on the rise.

One of the Pakistani Army’s greatest failures lies in its treatment of Balochistan. The Army has regarded Balochistan as a colony, treating its people in much the same way as colonial powers treated their subject populations. Despite the deployment of the 11th Corps and other military forces in large numbers throughout Balochistan, the region has spiraled beyond the government’s control.

A major factor contributing to this failure is that the Pakistani Army has consistently used terrorism as a strategic tool, but this strategy is now rebounding against it. Terrorist groups supported and trained by the Army are now launching attacks against the military itself. The manner in which the military has approached the task of combating terrorism—through bombings, shelling, and the oppression of its own citizens—has proven to be utterly ineffective.

Serious questions are also being raised about the situation in Balochistan within the Pakistani Parliament. Senior leaders, such as Maulana Fazlur Rehman and former Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, have warned that Pakistan’s geographical boundaries may soon shift. This statement clearly reflects the government’s diminishing control in Balochistan and the growing rebellion there.

Once renowned for its professionalism, the Pakistani Army is now seen by its own citizens as an oppressive force. Accusations of extorting money from merchants in Islamabad, violations of human rights, and violence in Balochistan have severely tarnished the military’s reputation. Even the international media is now beginning to focus on the issue of Balochistan.

The Pakistani Army stands today at a juncture where its strength and effectiveness are being seriously questioned. The military’s approach to combating terrorism is not only failing, but also resulting in even greater discontent among the population. The Army’s brutality in Balochistan and its colonial treatment of the people there have further aggravated the situation. Simultaneously, dissent within the ranks and resentment among the rank and file have cast a shadow on the military’s unity and discipline.

The Pakistani Army, once known for its professionalism and discipline, has become an oppressive force for its own people. Unless this situation is rectified with haste, Pakistan may face grave challenges to its internal stability and national unity. The Army must understand that the solution to terrorism lies not in repression and tyranny, but in winning the trust and support of the people. If the Army treats its citizens with respect and adopts a just and inclusive approach to combating terrorism, it can not only defeat terrorism, but also regain its reputation and the people’s trust. Otherwise, the growing discontent within the military may shake the very foundations of Pakistan.  n