The Establishment (Pakistan)

Deep-state dominance of the military in Pakistan

Not to be confused with Establishment Division.

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The Establishment (Urdu: اسٹیبلشمنٹ), also referred to as the military establishment, or deep state, is a term commonly used in Pakistan to describe the influence of the Pakistan Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and associated pro-military entities within the country's governance structure.

Since Pakistan's independence in 1947,[1][2] the Establishment has periodically assumed direct control of the government through military coups and has frequently played a substantial role in influencing political and security policies during civilian administrations.[3] It is widely regarded as an influential force in Pakistan's political and strategic affairs, particularly in areas concerning domestic policies, national security and foreign relations.[4] This includes state policies introduced during various periods of military rule, including the Islamization measures implemented under General Zia-ul-Haq.[5]

In the 2000s, the military establishment later reversed its support of political Islam under General Pervez Musharraf, who pursued enlightened moderation, leading Pakistan to join the United States-led War on terror and subsequently becoming designated as a major non-NATO ally by the Bush administration.[6] Furthermore, in the 2010s, General Raheel Sharif pursued a policy of hardline crackdowns on Islamist militant groups, continuing this reversal of Zia-ul-Haq's aggressive pro-Islamist policies.[7] Civilian members of the military-dominated Establishment have included: Sharifuddin Pirzada, Tariq Azim Khan, Sahabzada Yaqub Khan[8] A. K. Brohi,[9] Ghulam Ishaq Khan[10] and Zafar Ahmed Ansari.[11]

## Reinforcement of deep-state dominance

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The Establishment is notable for its covert interventions and organisation of military coups against the civilian government, and was reportedly behind the 1953–54 Constitutional Coup in the Dominion of Pakistan.[12][13] It also organised the coups of 1958,[13] 1977,[14][15][16] and 1999.[17] The Pakistan Army has been involved in enforcing martial law against civilian governments under the claim of restoring law and order in the country as is its role in the Constitution of Pakistan. It has dismissed the legislative branch and parliament a total of four times since Pakistan's independence, and maintains wider commercial, foreign, and political interests in the country. Due to this imbalance of power, the Pakistani military has faced allegations of acting as a state within a state.[18][19][20][21][22]

## Characteristics and composition

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Ayesha Siddiqa, a Pakistani journalist and scholar, notes that the Establishment is overwhelmingly dominated by the Pakistan Armed Forces (i.e. serving and retired officers, SPDF personnel, military-sponsored think-tanks etc.), with its core members also including civil bureaucrats, politicians, media houses and major economic players.[23][24] Abubakar Siddique, a Bangladeshi writer, observed that the civilians involved with the Establishment, such as politicians and judges, are also very "pro-military".[25] American political scientist Stephen P. Cohen says in his book, The Idea of Pakistan:[8] "Of all of Ayub Khan's achievements, the most enduring was an informal political system that tied together the senior ranks of the military, the civil service, key members of the judiciary, and other elites. Subsequently dubbed the "Establishment," it resembles a classic oligarchy. Pakistani politician, Mushahid Hussain, revealed that members of the Establishment included members of the business community; journalists, editors, and media experts; and a few academics and members of think tanks. At times, some foreign ambassadors with particularly close ties to the leadership were de facto members [...] Military officers and civilian bureaucrats above a certain level were potential members. As Hussain notes, the informality of the Establishment ensures that occupying a particular post does not confer membership.

Over time, the civil–military power equation has undergone changes, such as increased power sharing between the civilian government and the military as well as the convergence of interests in major aspects such as the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.[26] During the tenure of General Ayub Khan, the Establishment's code and tenants included the following (as outlined in Cohen's book): India was the main, existential threat to Pakistan, and accordingly the Pakistani military was a priority in all affairs of the state.[27] Since Pakistan could not take on India alone, military alliances were important and essential to the state's survival.[27] Likewise, natural allies included other moderate Islamic states, which were seen as role models.[27] Domestically, the military was a role model for the Pakistani people. Kashmir, a Muslim-majority region that served as the core territorial conflict hotspot between India and Pakistan, was always an issue for the Establishment, to the extent that it became an integral reason for the existence of Pakistan.[27] Quick reforms and revolutions were considered problematic.[27]

Foreign aid from the United States, Japan, and then the People's Republic of China (after 1963) was a driver of the economy.[28] The Establishment ensured control over information dissemination through the media and academia.[28] Radical and/or violent Islamic groups were slowly tolerated.[28] The Establishment theoretically tolerated democratic rule and never seriously imposed Islam; the army being less tolerant of Islamists. Just by surviving, Pakistan and its Establishment would be defeating India.

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a founding member of the Establishment,[29] started looking for a new identity for Pakistan, chiefly one that it did not share with neighbouring rival India. Accordingly, Pakistan started to look towards the Middle East for "aid, ideology, and strategic cooperation"; while at the same time turning its back away from its own shared history with India in South Asia.[30] Further building on Ayub Khan-era policies, Kashmir remained important for the Establishment for a variety of reasons; most notably due to its strategic importance to Pakistan. Furthermore, it was seen as a chance for Pakistan to fulfil its vision of its founding, the two-nation theory—that of being a "homeland for oppressed Indian Muslims".[27] Outside of the Kashmir conflict, India as a nation was perceived as an existential threat to Pakistan in every way,[31][32][33] particularly after the 1971 secession of Muslim-majority Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), and the latter's belief that India did not pose an existential threat, effectively endangering the two-nation theory.[34]

On 1 April 2022, Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that in context of no-confidence motion against him in the National Assembly, the "establishment" had given him three options to choose from viz: "resignation, no-confidence [vote] or elections".[35]

## Criticism

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Anti-establishment powershow in Bannu attended by thousands of people.

In Pakistan, many voices have been taken and there have been several protests against the Establishment but these are not shown by Pakistani media channels since they are not allowed by the Establishment.[36] In Pakistan, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, there is a famous slogan "ye jo dehshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai", Urdu: یہ جو دہشت گردی ہے، اس کے پیچھے وردی ہے “ (Those in uniform are behind terrorism).[37] Due to the popularity of the slogan, Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) adopted it.[38] The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), led by Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, has significantly raised awareness among Pakistan’s Pashtun community about the military establishment’s actions. Originating from South Waziristan, Pashteen’s leadership sparked widespread peaceful protests, highlighting extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and landmine hazards in tribal areas."The Hidden War: Pakistani Army's Violence and Disappearances in Balochistan – Women Speak Out". The Baloch Circle. 16 July 2025. His distinctive red-and-black cap and compelling speeches symbolized resistance, exposing the civilian toll of military operations like Operation Zarb-e-Azb."Pashtun tribe, angry with Pakistan's army, demands justice for war victims". Reuters. 10 April 2018. Despite media blackouts and state repression, PTM’s social media activism amplified Pashtun grievances, challenging the military’s unchecked authority and advocating for justice and constitutional rights."Pakistan's Pashtun Crackdown Stokes Wide Unrest". International Crisis Group. 13 February 2019.

Apart from political movements, many journalists have also taken voice against the Establishment. Hamid Mir, Pakistan's most well-known journalist, spoke against the Establishment many times. Assassination attempts have been made on many journalists who spoke against the Establishment including Mir,[39] Asad Ali Toor,[40] and others. Prominent journalist Matiullah Jan was also abducted and Jan accused the Establishment of abducting him. [41]

Journalist Imran Riaz Khan, with over 5.6 million YouTube subscribers, was abducted on 11 May 2023, allegedly for criticizing the government and military.[42] Released in September 2023 after alleged torture, he was rearrested in February 2024 for corruption.[43] Initially a PTI and military supporter, Khan mocked Pashtun and Baloch missing persons, calling them “traitors” who “deserved to disappear.”[44] After his own disappearance, he apologized, expressing solidarity with Baloch families.[45]

In September 2020, the Pakistan Democratic Movement was formed with the main objective to remove the Establishment's association with the politics of Pakistan.[46] The Pashtun Tahafuz Movement openly criticises the Pakistan Army and accuses the Pakistani state of violating the basic human rights of Pashtuns.[47]

In 2023 when Imran Khan was arrested after his removal from government in April 2022 and the subsequent political crisis in the country, there were large-scale protests against the Establishment's strongholds by Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf which led to a crackdown against it.[48][49]

## See also

[edit]

* Establishment Division
* The Establishment
* Deep state
* Inter-Services Intelligence activities in Afghanistan
* Separatist movements of Pakistan
* Criticism of Pakistan Armed Forces
* Terrorism in Pakistan

## References

[edit]

### Citations

[edit]

1. ^ Jaffrelot, Christophe (2015). The Pakistan Paradox: Instability and Resilience. Oxford University Press. p. 586\. ISBN 978-0-19-023518-5. "The civil-military establishment ruled Supreme for 60 years - from 1947 to 2007 - by crushing or betraying social movements and preventing the development of society."
2. ^ Pakistan Extends Powerful Army Chief’s Term Archived 19 October 2019 at the Wayback Machine, Wall Street Journal, 19 August 2019. "... critics of the military say it helped Mr. Khan win the 2018 election, as a new force in Pakistani politics and it is accused of being behind a campaign against the country's two established political parties."
3. ^ Hussain, Abid (30 January 2024). "Can Pakistan's politicians break the military's stranglehold?". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 November 2024. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
4. ^ Shah, Aqil (16 June 2023). "Pakistan's Military Still Runs the Show". Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 12 November 2024.
5. ^ Ḥaqqānī, Husain (2005). Pakistan: between mosque and military. Washington: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. p. 131\. ISBN 978-0-87003-214-1. Retrieved 23 May 2010. "Zia ul-Haq is often identified as the person most responsible for turning Pakistan into a global center for political Islam. Undoubtedly, Zia went farthest in defining Pakistan as an Islamic state, and he nurtured the jihadist ideology ..."
6. ^ "A Plea for Enlightened Moderation" Archived 25 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine, by Pervez Musharraf, 1 June 2004, The Washington Post
7. ^ Boone, Jon (15 June 2014). "Pakistan begins long-awaited offensive to root out militants from border region". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 5 August 2020. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
8. ^ a b Cohen 2004, pp. 68–70.
9. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 85.
10. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 146.
11. ^ Haqqani 2005, p. 25.
12. ^ Pakistan Constitutional Beginnings Archived 11 November 2019 at the Wayback Machine PAKISTAN – A Country Study
13. ^ a b declassified US Intelligence. [dead link]
14. ^ Hyman, Anthony; Ghayur, Muhammed; Kaushik, Naresh (1989). Pakistan, Zia and After--. New Delhi: Abhinav Publications. p. 30\. ISBN 81-7017-253-5. "Operation Fair Play went ahead … as the clock struck midnight [on 4 July 1977] ... [Later,] General Zia [told Bhutto] that Bhutto along with other political leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties would be taken into what he called 'protective custody'."
15. ^ Dossani, Rafiq; Rowen, Henry S. (2005). Prospects for Peace in South Asia. Stanford University Press. p. 42\. ISBN 978-0-8047-5085-1. "Zia-ul-Haq, however, chose not to abrogate the 1973 Constitution. Rather, Zia's government suspended the operation of the Constitution and governed directly, through the promulgation of martial law regulations … Between 1977 and 1981 Pakistan did not have legislative institutions."
16. ^ Cohen 2004.
17. ^ Hassan Abbas (2005). Pakistan's drift into extremism: Allah, the army, and America's war on terror. M.E. Sharpe. pp. 16–40. ISBN 978-0-7656-1496-4.
18. ^ Javid, Hassan (23 November 2014). "COVER STORY: The Army & Democracy: Military Politics in Pakistan". DAWN.COM. Dawn Newspapers. Dawn Newspapers. Archived from the original on 16 August 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
19. ^ Aqil, Shah (1973). The army and democracy : military politics in Pakistan. Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674728936.
20. ^ Haqqani 2005
21. ^ Aziz, Mazhar (2007). Military Control in Pakistan: The Parallel State. Routledge. ISBN 9781134074099. Retrieved 16 August 2017.
22. ^ Chengappa, Bidanda M. (2004). Pakistan, Islamisation, Army and Foreign Policy. APH Publishing. ISBN 9788176485487.
23. ^ "Mapping the establishment – by Ayesha Siddiqa". LUBP. 15 January 2010. Archived from the original on 5 November 2019. Retrieved 8 December 2019.
24. ^ Ahmad, Ishtiaq; Rafiq, Adnan (3 November 2016). "Mapping the 'Establishment' - Ayesha Siddiqa". Pakistan's Democratic Transition: Change and Persistence. Routledge. pp. Chapter 3. ISBN 978-1-317-23594-1.
25. ^ Siddique, Abubakar (15 June 2014). "The Military's Pashtun Wars". The Pashtun Question: The Unresolved Key to the Future of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Hurst. pp. Chapter 6. ISBN 978-1-84904-499-8.
26. ^ Ahmad, Ishtiaq (3 November 2016). "Pakistan's third democratic transition". In Ahmad, Ishtiaq; Rafiq, Adnan (eds.). Pakistan's Democratic Transition: Change and Persistence. Taylor & Francis. pp. 31–33\. ISBN 978-1-317-23595-8.
27. ^ a b c d e f Cohen 2004, p. 71.
28. ^ a b c Cohen 2004, p. 72.
29. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 73: "In this Ayub had been egged on by his activist foreign minister, the young Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who was ambitious, ruthless, and a charter member of the Establishment."
30. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 170.
31. ^ Fair, C. Christine (2014). Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Army's Way of War. Oxford University Press. p. 173\. ISBN 978-0-19-989270-9. "[...] conviction of Pakistan's defense establishment that India is fundamentally opposed to Pakistan's existence, rejects the two nation theory, and seeks every opportunity to undo history [...] the two states are thus locked in an existential conflict with no obvious resolution."
32. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 121.
33. ^ Haqqani 2005, p. 15.
34. ^ Cohen 2004, p. 282.
35. ^ "PM Imran says 'establishment' gave him three options: resignation, no-confidence vote or elections". Dawn. 1 April 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
36. ^ Paley, Sofia (22 August 2019). "Pakistan's media forced into self-censorship". Index on Censorship. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
37. ^ "Hunger Strike, Protests in Pak's Balochistan After Quetta Blast". TheQuint. 14 April 2019. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
38. ^ Siddiqui, Taha (13 January 2019). "The PTM in Pakistan: Another Bangladesh in the making?". aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
39. ^ "Am I a traitor?". Committee to Protect Journalists. 8 May 2014. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
40. ^ "Pakistan: Journalist critical of military attacked at home". Deutsche Welle. 26 May 2021. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
41. ^ Kugelman, Michael (3 June 2021). "Pakistan's Press Enters a Dark Era". Foreign Policy. Archived from the original on 27 June 2021. Retrieved 27 June 2021.
42. ^ Bilal, Rana (26 May 2023). "LHC directs 'all agencies' to find Imran Riaz". DAWN.COM.
43. ^ "Imran Riaz sent to jail in corruption case". Dawn. 23 February 2024.
44. ^ "Journalist Imran Riaz Apologizes for undermining the issue of Baloch Missing Persons". The Baloch Circle. 28 December 2023.
45. ^ "Imran Riaz Khan - YouTube". YouTube.
46. ^ Zafar, Imad (26 October 2020). "Sharif checkmates Pakistani establishment". Asia Times. Archived from the original on 29 October 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
47. ^ Taha Siddiqui (13 January 2018). "The PTM in Pakistan: Another Bangladesh in the making?". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 January 2019. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
48. ^ Hussain, Abid (12 May 2023). "Why are Imran Khan's supporters angry with Pakistan's military?". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
49. ^ Khuhro, Zarrar (11 May 2023). "Imran Khan's arrest has exploded Pakistan's reservoir of rage". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 8 January 2024. Retrieved 8 January 2024.

### Bibliography

[edit]

* Cohen, Stephen F. (2004). The idea of Pakistan. University of Michigan: Brookings Institution Press. ISBN 9780815715023. Archived from the original on 5 January 2024. Retrieved 17 September 2020.
* Haqqani, Husain (2005). Pakistan: Between mosque and military (1. print. ed.). Washington, DC: Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. ISBN 978-0870032141.
* Khan, Reham (2018). Reham Khan (memoir). Pakistan. ISBN 9789353023225.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)

## External links

[edit]

* Terrorists immigration status nationality risk analysis
* Daniel L. Byman. "The Changing Nature of State Sponsorship of Terrorism" (PDF). Brookings.edu. Retrieved 5 October 2018.

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