CIVIL MILITARY IMBALANCE AND DEMOCRACY IN PAKISTAN (2008-2018)

Abstract

In a democracy, it is essential for the civil and military institutions to have a balanced relationship. In Pakistan, however, the military has often dominated the civilian government, leading to political instability and the failure of democracy. The Pakistani military is a well-organized and professional force that inherited its traditions from the British. In a democracy, the military is supposed to be subordinate to the civilian government, but in Pakistan, the military has often intervened in politics, either directly or indirectly. There are a number of reasons for this. First, the military has a strong sense of its own importance and its role as the guardian of the country's security. Second, the politicians in Pakistan have often been corrupt and incompetent, which has led the military to see itself as the only institution capable of providing effective governance. Third, the military has built a strong network of supporters within the civilian bureaucracy and the political parties. This imbalance in civil-military relations has had a number of negative consequences for Pakistan. It has led to political instability, as the military has repeatedly overthrown civilian governments. It has also made it difficult for the government to address the country's economic and social problems. For Pakistan to achieve true democracy, it is essential for the civil and military institutions to find a way to work together in a more balanced and cooperative manner. This will require both sides to make some concessions. The military will need to accept that it is not the only legitimate authority in the country, and the politicians will need to learn to govern effectively without relying on the military's support. The balance in civil-military relations is essential for the smooth functioning of the state machinery and political stability