The Challenges Facing Pakistan’s Military Establishment
Pakistan’s national security establishment faces significant internal turmoil, which raises concerns about its stability and effectiveness. After decades of dominance, the military’s influence appears to be decreasing amid a complex political landscape marked by economic instability and security threats. The recent arrest of retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed, the former head of Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), reveals deeper issues within the military and reflects broader challenges facing the country.
Arrest of a Key Figure
On August 12, the Pakistani military arrested Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed and began court-martial proceedings against him. Hameed, who served as the ISI chief from 2019 to 2022, faced charges of multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act. His arrest came after a Supreme Court investigation into allegations that he used his influence to force a private company into transferring valuable land to his brother. By taking this high-profile action, the military signaled serious concerns about Hameed’s actions and their impact on the military’s cohesion.
Political Tensions and Military Dynamics
The case against Hameed reflects the deep political alignments within Pakistan. Hameed had strong ties with former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a polarizing figure in Pakistan’s political sphere. Khan’s political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), developed a unique relationship with the military, making it the favored party among the nation’s political entities. This connection positioned the PTI well within military circles, even after Khan’s removal from power, leading to significant internal divisions within the military establishment.
Under Hameed’s leadership, the ISI supported Khan’s political ambitions, including efforts to suppress opposition and control media narratives. These actions aimed to consolidate power and align the military’s interests with Khan’s political goals. But as Khan’s strategies began to conflict with broader military and national interests, the alliance between him and the military fractured, leading to increased tensions and his eventual removal from power.
Shifts in Military Leadership and Strategy
The dismissal of Hameed as ISI chief and subsequent events highlight changing dynamics within Pakistan’s military leadership. Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa, the former army chief, played a critical role in steering the military away from Khan and his allies. Bajwa’s decision to reassign Hameed from the ISI to a corps command role marked the beginning of this shift. This move aimed to distance the military from Khan’s increasingly controversial political agenda. The ensuing leadership changes reflected a broader strategy to stabilize the military’s position and reassert its neutrality in political affairs.
Gen. Asim Munir, who replaced Bajwa as the army chief, continued this realignment by taking decisive action against elements within the military perceived as loyal to Khan. Munir’s crackdown on military personnel and PTI supporters following Khan’s arrest in May 2023 showed the military’s intent to separate itself from political involvement and maintain its institutional integrity. This period saw significant purges within the ranks, including the dismissal of several senior officers and disciplinary actions against others, further illustrating the military’s commitment to regaining control.
Future of Pakistan’s Military
Despite the military’s efforts to maintain stability, Pakistan remains entangled in political, economic, and security crises. The February 2024 elections saw PTI members running as independents and winning the most seats, challenging the legitimacy of the military-backed government. The judiciary’s recent rulings in favor of the PTI also indicate a shift in the balance of power, suggesting that Pakistan’s institutions are increasingly divided.
Broken Intelligence Apparatus
The recent developments highlight a broken intelligence apparatus within Pakistan’s military. The arrest of a former intelligence chief and the subsequent realignments within the military reveal the compromised state of Pakistan’s intelligence operations. As the military attempts to navigate this complex landscape, its ability to address these internal fractures and restore order will be vital for Pakistan’s future. The military has historically been a unifying force in the country, preventing fragmentation and ensuring national security. Now, with its intelligence apparatus in disarray, the path to stability appears more uncertain.
