Reclaiming Pakistan’s Democratic Vision

Saleem Raza

Islamabad: Since its inception, Pakistan has struggled to establish the democratic ideals envisioned by its founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Amongst other things, consistent military interference has undermined this vision, creating frequent disruptions that have stifled the growth of institutions essential for upholding democracy and protecting civil liberties.

Judicial independence has been eroded, civil rights suppressed, and military involvement in governance has obstructed the development of a genuine democratic system.

Rather than focusing solely on its constitutional duty of safeguarding the nation, the military has entrenched itself in nearly every aspect of society and the economy. This includes dominating business ventures such as DHA and over 80 other enterprises, exploiting national resources for private gain, and engaging in black-market activities that betray the public trust.

Over time, this overreach has corroded the military’s primary function: the defence of the nation. Instead of being a symbol of protection and honour, Pakistan’s security apparatus has come to represent undue privilege, unchecked power, and self-serving interests.

This transformation has eroded public trust, weakened national institutions, and hindered Pakistan’s progress on the global stage.

The unbridled involvement of both serving and retired military officials in civilian governance, politics, and lucrative foreign postings has further deepened this dysfunction.

Policy decisions often reflect the personal or institutional ambitions of military leaders rather than the nation’s welfare. Civilian governments, in turn, have been reduced to mere puppets, unable to exercise their mandates independently due to the military’s pervasive influence.

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This proposal emerges from the urgent need to address these systemic issues and restore the military to its rightful role as a disciplined and professional institution focused solely on defending Pakistan’s borders. While the military holds immense potential, this can only be realised if it refrains from political and economic interference.

The proposed reforms aim not only to strengthen national defence but also to establish a robust democracy where civilian institutions can thrive without undue influence. These measures would restore trust in the military’s integrity while fostering democratic governance and societal progress.

To achieve this vision, bold and transformative actions must be undertaken to dismantle the problematic aspects of the current military structure and replace them with systems that prioritize national interests over personal or institutional gain. This document outlines these reforms in detail, presenting a roadmap to align Pakistan closer to its democratic ideals.

Proposed Reforms to Restructure Pakistan’s Military

1. Establishing a Border Security Force (BSF)

• The existing military structure would be dissolved and reconstituted into a Border Security Force (BSF) tasked exclusively with safeguarding national borders.
• The BSF’s primary responsibilities would include surveillance, border control, and responding to external threats, thereby eliminating interference in civilian governance or internal affairs.
• A streamlined command structure would reduce bureaucracy and enable swift decision-making.
• Modern technologies, such as drones, satellite surveillance, and advanced communication systems, would be integrated for effective border management.
• Recruitment would be merit-based, prioritising candidates with expertise in border management, intelligence gathering, and rapid response operations.
• Training programs would focus on defence strategies, international border protocols, and human rights to ensure professionalism and ethical conduct.

2. Nationalisation of Military Assets

• All military-owned businesses, industries, and real estate would be transferred to government control to ensure transparency and equitable resource distribution.
• A regulatory body comprising civilian and independent experts would oversee the transition and management of these assets.
• Profits generated from these ventures would be reinvested into national priorities such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
• This step would enhance public trust in state institutions and curb the military’s dominance in civilian economic domains.

3. Prohibition of Military Involvement in Civilian Institutions

• Active and retired military personnel would be barred from holding positions in civilian institutions, government departments, public enterprises, and regulatory bodies.
• This separation would ensure that civilian leadership remains autonomous and free from military influence.

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4. Restricting Political Participation

• Military personnel, whether retired or serving, would be prohibited from joining political parties, holding political office, or engaging in partisan activities.
• This measure would safeguard civilian supremacy in governance and prevent conflicts of interest.

5. Restrictions on International Employment and Residences

• Military officers would be barred from accepting employment abroad post-retirement to protect national security and avoid conflicts of interest.
• Retired officers would also be discouraged from permanently residing in foreign countries to maintain their allegiance to national interests.

6. Legislative and Institutional Reforms

• Constitutional amendments would formalize the dissolution of the current military structure and the establishment of the BSF.
• Clear provisions would define the roles and limitations of the BSF to prevent future overreach or ambiguity.

7. Oversight Mechanisms

• A civilian-led Defence Oversight Committee would monitor the BSF’s activities to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Regular audits and performance reviews would be mandated to uphold efficiency and public trust.

Expected Benefits of Reform would be to ;

1. Strengthened Democracy
   • Eliminating military interference in civilian governance would bolster democratic institutions and processes.
   • Civilian supremacy in policymaking would prioritize public welfare over vested interests.
2. Economic Growth
   • Nationalizing military assets would free up significant resources for social and economic development.
   • Enhanced transparency in asset management would attract foreign investment and boost public confidence.
3. Enhanced National Security
   • A specialized BSF focusing exclusively on border security would lead to improved defense capabilities and quicker responses to external threats.
4. Social Harmony
   • Removing the military’s dominance in civilian and economic matters would reduce societal polarization and foster national unity.

This roadmap offers a transformative vision for redefining the military’s role while advancing democratic governance. These reforms represent an essential step toward realizing Pakistan’s founding ideals and ensuring a prosperous, secure, and democratic future.