Pakistan Army's Constitutional Militarism

Scholar Ayesha Siddiqa describes Pakistan as a case of constitutional militarism, not a hybrid regime. She argues the military's dominance is sanctioned by a parliament that has legislated away its own relevance.

Siddiqa, a senior fellow at King's College London and author of "Military Inc.," made these remarks in an interview for The Diplomat's Beyond the Indus podcast. Her analysis traces the army's entrenched role from the country's founding to the present day.

The Foundations of Military Dominance

According to Siddiqa, the roots of the military's political power were established soon after Pakistan's independence in 1947. The institution positioned itself as the ultimate arbiter of national security and the state's integrity. This early influence set a precedent for deep involvement in civilian affairs.

Parliament has repeatedly passed laws that cement the military's authority, she contends. This process has created a system where the army's role is constitutionally embedded. The result is a state where democratic institutions exist but operate under a shadow.

Control Over Politics and Economy

The military's influence extends far beyond the barracks. Siddiqa states it exerts decisive control over domestic politics, often determining political outcomes and leadership. Its reach also permeates the national economy.

Through a vast network of commercial interests and foundations, the military has become a major economic actor. Siddiqa, citing her own research, argues this creates a self-sustaining cycle of power. Economic resources bolster political influence, which in turn protects economic interests.

Conducting War and Foreign Policy

Siddiqa examines the military's handling of internal conflicts and international relations. She discusses its approach to long-running insurgencies in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The army's strategy in these regions is a central component of its security doctrine.

On foreign policy, Siddiqa analyzes the military's steering role from the era of Ayub Khan to the current Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir. She asserts the institution has consistently shaped Pakistan's stance with key allies and rivals, treating diplomacy as an extension of security policy. "The military sees itself as the sole guardian of national interest," Siddiqa notes, paraphrasing a common institutional view.

This guardianship mentality justifies its intervention across all spheres of statecraft. The interview, hosted by Tushar Shetty, concludes without a summary, ending on the point of the army's enduring ideological framework.