The Reasons Behind the Complicated Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan
In most third-world countries, after the colonial period, civil-military relations (CMR) were characterized by military interventions in politics and insubordination to civil control. In that, it had either been instrumental in providing stability and prolonging the ruling regimes or had been in power themselves.
Brigadier Syed Mushtaq Ahmed examines the reasons for the widespread influence of the armed forces in the domestic political scene. He also explores how civilian regimes have attempted to ensure the subordination of the military to their authority.
Assessing Nuclear Security in Pakistan & India
In South Asia, Pakistan has been subjected to growing criticism over the insecurity posed by its nuclear infrastructure. However, what’s commonly ignored is that the region houses another nuclear state—one that presents greater and deadly nuclear concerns.
Myths Around Pakistan’s Nukes & National Security
Brig Syed Mushtaq Ahmed (Retd) dispels four virulent myths that have been making the rounds. These include:
1. Balkanization of Pakistan
2. Pakistan is a failed state
3. Pakistan is an epicentre of terrorism
4. The threat to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
He believes that the common objective is to debilitate and defang Pakistan—the only Muslim nuclear power that could threaten US, India, and Israel.
The Appointment of the COAS: An Unending Controversy
Every three years, the autumn in Pakistan resonates with budding news over the appointment of the next Army Chief.
The appointment remains a rather routine affair among the other two services (Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force) and elsewhere in the world, passing without a murmur or creating much of a ruckus.
It, however, springs out as the most important question in the case of the Pakistan Army Chief, engendering and captivating interest in the public domain.
Pakistan’s Varying Political Scenarios
In today’s Pakistan, we are gripped with a politico-economic situation that is increasingly becoming untenable. Brig Syed Mushtaq Ahmed (Retd) believes that the country is abuzz with a lot of speculations, foretelling different scenarios: a downside scenario, an obverse scenario and a prospective scenario. Which one of these will last or emerge depend on the role of the invisibles.
