How the War with India Lifted the Pakistan Military's Home Image
Following a recent clash between India and Pakistan's armies, the nation's military has experienced its popularity rising domestically. The most recent surge in popularity is strong, though, and analysts warn that this improvement in the military's status could be fleeting and contingent upon subsequent political developments.
A Fragile Truce After Intense Fighting
After four days of intense hostilities along the disputed border regions, India and Pakistan enjoyed a fragile ceasefire. Both had declared victory, with propaganda having focused on their own military successes. The war, although relatively brief, inspired strong nationalistic emotion in Pakistan, boosting the profile of its armed forces as guardians of national independence.
The clash came against a background of lingering tension and distrust between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. It also came at a politically delicate time within Pakistan, where the military's role has long been inextricably linked with the fortunes of the civilian government.
Domestic Unrest Amid Political Turmoil
Just months before the war, on May 9, 2023, the streets of Pakistan shook with gigantic demonstrations. Thousands took to main cities, most of them belonging to opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. Their anger was mainly at the country's military establishment, against which they accused it of interfering with civilian life and undermining democracy.
The protests grew violent and targets related to the military were targeted. Some of the most high-profile of these were the Pakistan Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the Lahore residence of a high-ranking military official, which was torched. Several other military installations and landmarks were hit as well.
The crisis was triggered by the arrest of ex-Prime Minister and PTI leader Imran Khan on charges of corruption at Islamabad High Court. The arrest of Khan rallied his supporters, who regarded the army's involvement in his political ousting as a violation of democratic principles. Although Khan was later released, the incident pointed to the volatile political environment in Pakistan.
How the Military Took Advantage of the India Confrontation
Against this internal turmoil, the war with India gave a common narrative to most Pakistanis. The military employed the war to stage strength and resilience, depicting themselves as guardians against foreign attack. This resonated with the populace, who view India as Pakistan's arch-enemy and perpetual threat.
State media and official releases reinforced the narrative, celebrating the "victories" and valour of the armed forces. The message of the government was one of national glory and the military's commitment to securing the territorial sovereignty of Pakistan. Thus, many Pakistanis rallied behind the armed forces, temporarily shifting focus away from domestic political competition.
Public opinion polls conducted afterward recorded an immediate surge in the popularity of the military among civilians, especially the youth and urban dwellers. The perception of the armed forces as a good and patriotic institution was re-established, countering part of the negative response they received in the course of the first protests.
Analysts' Warning: Popularity Might be Transitory
But experts caution that this war surge in army popularity might be short-lived. Political watchers say that the complex Pakistan civil-military equations guarantee that public sentiment can turn very quickly with shifting circumstances.
The local image of the military has historically varied in response to both external threats and domestic political instability. While foreign wars tend to unite the public in support of the military, extended political turmoil or economic duress tends to bring back criticism.
Furthermore, the widening political divisions fueling the May 2023 protests are yet to be resolved. The opposition continues to accuse the military of a power grab and interference in civilian matters. With the ongoing political tensions, such internal issues could erode the current confidence in the military.
Looking Ahead
Pakistan's military remains the strongest institution within the country's politics and society. The war with India in the past accelerated its popularity among Pakistanis for a short term. But whether this popular wave will translate into long-term legitimacy and domination will be determined by whether the military is able to effectively contain the country's complex intra-alliances as well as extraterritorial challenges.
Meanwhile, the fragile peace with India continues but is forever pregnant with coming war. Both countries continue to compete for strategic location, national security and pride being forever bound up together in their relations. For Pakistan, the army's function as custodian of the state remains at the very heart of its self-image, even while the civilian political machinery stumbles towards stabilisation.
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