How has the War on Terrorism shaped the New Dimension of Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan? Elaborate with Examples and Highlight its Implications.

PMS 2025 Solved Pakistan Studies Past Papers | The War on Terrorism and Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan

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Outline

–  Introduction

2-  Comparative Overview of Civil-Military Relations Before and After the War on Terror

3-  New Dimensions of Civil-Military Relations After the War on Terror

• 3.1-  Expansion of Military Role in Internal Security
• 3.2-  Rise of Hybrid Governance
• 3.3-  Militarization of Foreign Policy
• 3.4-  National Action Plan (NAP) and Security Institutionalization
• 3.5-  SIFC and Economic Civil-Military Integration
• 3.6-  Judicial Activism and Civil-Military Relations

4-  Ways Forward to Balance Civil Military Relations in Pakistan

5-  Critical Analysis

6- Conclusion

Answer to this question

Introduction

Civil-military relations refer to the relationship between civilian political institutions and the military establishment in the management of state affairs. In Pakistan, this relationship has historically remained imbalanced because the military emerged as a strong institution while democratic institutions remained comparatively weak. Due to regional insecurity, conflicts with India, political instability, and weak governance structures, the military acquired a dominant role in national affairs. The War on Terror (WOT), which began after the events of 9/11, further transformed the nature of civil-military relations in Pakistan. Pakistan became a frontline ally of the United States against terrorism, which expanded the military’s role beyond conventional defense into internal security, foreign policy, economic governance, and policymaking. As a result, new dimensions of civil-military relations emerged in the  post-WOT era. Lieutenant General (R) Asad Durrani also explains that ‘Pakistan’s security-oriented environment strengthened the military institution over time. According to the article, the military became deeply involved in policymaking because of continuous external and internal threats faced by the state.’

Comparative Overview of Civil-Military Relations Before and After the War on Terror

Before the War on Terror, Pakistan witnessed repeated direct military interventions in politics. The military ruled the country through coups under Ayub Khan in 1958, Yahya Khan in 1969, Zia-ul-Haq in 1977, and Pervez Musharraf in 1999. These military takeovers were justified on the basis of political instability, corruption, weak governance, and threats to national security. During this period, the military exercised direct authority over political institutions, administration, and policymaking. Civilian governments remained weak and democratic continuity was repeatedly interrupted. After the War on Terror, the nature of civil-military relations changed significantly. Instead of direct military rule through martial law, a system of hybrid governance emerged in which civilian governments formally remained in power while the military continued to influence key areas such as internal security, foreign policy, counterterrorism strategy, and national decision-making. The military expanded its role into domestic security operations, intelligence coordination, and economic governance. Therefore, the post-WOT period transformed military influence from overt political control to indirect institutional dominance.

New Dimensions of Civil-Military Relations After the War on Terror

• Expansion of Military Role in Internal Security

The War on Terror significantly expanded the role of the Pakistan military in internal security affairs. Before 9/11, the military mainly focused on external defense against India; however, after the rise of terrorism and militancy inside Pakistan, the army became directly involved in domestic security operations. Major military campaigns such as Operation Rah-e-Rast, Rah-e-Nijat, Zarb-e-Azb, and Radd-ul-Fasaad were launched against militant groups in Swat, South Waziristan, FATA, and other regions. Similarly, Rangers were given extended powers in Karachi to restore law and order, while military courts were established after the APS Peshawar attack in 2014.

The expansion of the military’s role in internal security helped Pakistan reduce terrorism and militant violence significantly. State authority was restored in troubled regions, while urban security conditions improved, especially in Karachi. Intelligence-sharing and coordination among institutions also became more effective, strengthening Pakistan’s overall national security framework. Despite these achievements, the increasing military role in domestic affairs weakened civilian law-enforcement institutions such as police and local administration. Concerns regarding human rights violations, enforced disappearances, and militarization of society also increased. Furthermore, public dependence on the military for stability reduced confidence in civilian institutions.

• Rise of Hybrid Governance

One of the most important changes after the War on Terror was the emergence of hybrid governance. In this system, civilian governments continued to function constitutionally, but the military establishment maintained influence over major national decisions. During the governments of PPP, PML-N, and PTI, the military played an important role in national security, foreign affairs, and strategic policymaking. Institutions such as the National Security Committee (NSC) became major platforms for civil-military coordination.

Hybrid governance ensured continuity in security policies and improved coordination during national crises. It also enabled faster decision-making in matters related to counterterrorism and strategic affairs. Cooperation between civilian and military institutions contributed to political stability during difficult periods. However, hybrid governance weakened parliamentary supremacy and reduced the autonomy of elected governments. Political parties frequently accused the establishment of interference in democratic processes and political engineering. Consequently, democratic institutions struggled to mature independently, while political polarization increased.

• Militarization of Foreign Policy

After the War on Terror, Pakistan’s foreign policy became increasingly security-centered, which strengthened the military’s role in external affairs. Pakistan became a frontline ally of the United States in counterterrorism efforts, while the military leadership played a significant role in Afghan peace negotiations and regional security matters. Relations with India also became heavily securitized after incidents such as the Mumbai attacks in 2008 and the Pulwama crisis in 2019. At the same time, strategic cooperation with China expanded through projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The militarization of foreign policy increased Pakistan’s strategic importance globally and enabled the country to receive military and economic assistance from the United States. Pakistan also strengthened defense cooperation with China and gained diplomatic leverage in Afghan affairs. On the negative side, civilian diplomats and parliament lost influence over foreign policymaking. Pakistan’s international image became heavily associated with security concerns and militancy. In addition, foreign policy became less transparent and increasingly dependent on security institutions.

• National Action Plan (NAP) and Security Institutionalization

The APS Peshawar tragedy in December 2014 led to the creation of the National Action Plan (NAP), which institutionalized Pakistan’s counterterrorism framework. Through NAP, the state strengthened intelligence-sharing mechanisms, established military courts, cracked down on militant organizations, and attempted to regulate hate speech, madrassas, and terror financing. Institutions such as NACTA were also given greater importance. The National Action Plan helped Pakistan reduce terrorist violence and develop a national consensus against extremism. Coordination between civilian and military institutions improved, while counterterrorism measures became more organized and institutionalized. However, NAP also created concerns regarding civil liberties and judicial independence. The use of military courts and extraordinary security measures raised criticism from human rights groups. Moreover, many analysts argued that some parts of NAP were implemented selectively, while civilian institutions remained secondary in security policymaking.

• SIFC and Economic Civil-Military Integration

The establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in 2023 introduced a new dimension of civil-military cooperation in economic governance. Through SIFC, the military became involved in facilitating investment in sectors such as agriculture, energy, minerals, and information technology. The institution aimed to improve coordination between federal authorities, investors, and strategic partners, particularly Gulf countries. Supporters of SIFC argue that it can improve investor confidence, accelerate economic projects, and strengthen long-term strategic planning. Because of institutional coordination and administrative efficiency, many investors consider military-backed projects more stable and secure. However, critics argue that the increasing military role in economic affairs weakens civilian ministries and reduces transparency in policymaking. Excessive dependence on military involvement in economic governance may also prevent civilian technocratic institutions from developing independently.

• Judicial Activism and Civil-Military Relations

Another important post-WOT development was the rise of judicial activism after the Lawyers’ Movement of 2007–09. The judiciary became more assertive in political and constitutional matters, especially after the restoration of Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry. Courts increasingly intervened in governance issues, corruption cases, and constitutional disputes. The Panama Papers case, which resulted in the disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, became one of the most significant examples of judicial activism.Judicial activism strengthened accountability mechanisms and increased public awareness regarding constitutional rights and corruption. The judiciary emerged as an important institution capable of challenging executive authority. However, critics argued that judicial intervention sometimes entered political domains and created institutional conflicts. Allegations of selective accountability also increased, which contributed to instability and tensions among state institutions, including civilian governments and the military establishment.

 Ways Forward to Balance Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan

Pakistan can establish balanced and stable civil-military relations only through the strengthening of democratic institutions and constitutional supremacy. Parliament, judiciary, bureaucracy, and police institutions must be strengthened so that civilian governance can function effectively without excessive dependence on the military. Parliamentary oversight of defense and security policies should be improved, while political parties must promote democratic continuity and avoid institutional confrontation. Similarly, the military should remain within its constitutional professional role, focusing mainly on national defense and security. Greater transparency, accountability, and coordination among institutions can help Pakistan achieve long-term political stability and democratic maturity.

Critical Analysis

The War on Terror fundamentally transformed the structure of civil-military relations in Pakistan. On one side, the military’s expanded role helped Pakistan combat terrorism, restore state authority, and strengthen national security during a period of severe internal instability. Operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad significantly reduced militant violence and improved internal security conditions. On the other side, the post-WOT environment strengthened the military’s institutional influence in politics, governance, foreign policy, and economics. The emergence of hybrid governance weakened civilian supremacy and slowed the independent growth of democratic institutions. Although institutions such as NAP and SIFC improved coordination and efficiency, they also reflected the increasing dependence of civilian governments on military support. Therefore, the War on Terror created a paradox in Pakistan. While the country achieved greater security stabilization, democratic institutions continued to face challenges related to institutional imbalance and military dominance. The long-term stability of Pakistan depends upon creating a constitutional balance in which civilian institutions remain supreme while the military performs its professional security responsibilities within democratic limits.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the War on Terror introduced new dimensions to civil-military relations in Pakistan by expanding the military’s role beyond conventional defense into internal security, governance, foreign policy, economic planning, and institutional policymaking. The rise of hybrid governance, the institutionalization of counterterrorism frameworks, judicial activism, and economic-security integration significantly reshaped the relationship between civilian and military institutions. These changes produced both positive and negative implications. Positively, Pakistan improved its internal security, counterterrorism capacity, and strategic coordination. Negatively, democratic institutions, civilian supremacy, and constitutional balance faced continuous challenges. Therefore, Pakistan’s future political stability requires a balanced civil-military relationship based on constitutionalism, democratic continuity, institutional harmony, and the strengthening of civilian governance structures.

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