Essay On Pakistani Army

Zuhair Siddique

Professor Edward Kannyo

Comparative Poltics

May 16th, 2014

Role of the Pakistani Army in Politics (Draft)

The army in Pakistan is highly influential. Their exact role and power has always been up for debate, with a great deal of difficult on the extent of their role in the day to day political affairs of Pakistan. However, throughout the history of Pakistan, their interference in Pakistani politics is not up for debate rather just the magnitude of it. There are various reasons the army is so powerful, but the continued animosity with neighbouring India has resulted in the need for a large and powerful military. In addition, the Cold War strengthened the military. Corruption amongst the ruling elite has only strengthened the army. Pakistan has also historically and continues to suffer from an ethnic division within the nation which has only exacerbated their problems. The army is believed to be above this ethnic division.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a relatively new nation, having only gained independence from British India in 1947. Britain ruled the Indian subcontinent for a little less than 350 years prior to Pakistan’s independence. This included time during the rule of the British Raj, as well as the British East India Company prior to that. The rule of the British raj in the Indian subcontinent ended in 1947 through independence for India and Pakistan. Pakistan’s entire history has been marred by instability and the continued interference of the army within Pakistani politics. The core premise behind the creation of Pakistan was an independent state for the Muslims of India, who were clashing with Hindus. There were riots and clashes between both groups which led to a huge number of killings. Eventuall...

... middle of paper ...

...that the rulers focused heavily on West Pakistan which allowed East Pakistan to be neglected creating greater discord. However, East Pakistan, owing to their large population demanded an equal share in the Parliament which those in the did not want to.

(Ali 366)

The issue of which language the constitution should be issued in was a major reason why the creation of a constitution was delayed for so long. Jinnah prior to his death called for unity and tried to keep both entities however, with his passing the ethnic divide became greater and greater. East Pakistan wanted greater independence and autonomy. They felt they were being ruled by those in the West and that they were discriminated against for being from East Pakistan. Those in the East also spoke a different language, which was a root cause of their belief that they deserved to be separate from West Pakistan.