Power for progress

Pakistan’s military has been a pivotal force in shaping national policymaking. This is a reality mirrored in numerous developing nations – Indonesia, Thailand, Bangladesh, Philippines, Egypt, Iraq, Brazil, Nigeria, Mexico, El Salvador and Jordan, to name a few – where militaries wield significant influence when civilian institutions are weak or falter. This dynamic, far from unique, raises a critical question for Pakistan: how can this powerful military presence be channelled to foster national progress?

The key is not to deny this reality, but to ask: how can this influence be harnessed for the national good?

Historically, military influence has been tilted toward political engineering (shaping governments, parties and opposition) rather than national problem-solving. Historically, Pakistan spends disproportionate energy on political chess games rather than long-term nation-building.

Is it time to shift the lens? To refocus our view? To pivot our perspective? If the answer is yes, then the military must use its influence to concentrate on four priorities:

First, reverse Pakistan’s Reverse Robin Hood Economic Model – where resources are extracted from the many to benefit the few. A fairer, sustainable economic order is essential for long-term stability.

Second, make regional stability a core strategy. Pakistan’s future strength will not come from perpetual confrontation but from regional integration – through trade, connectivity and cooperative security frameworks.

Third, broaden the approach to internal security. Military operations can suppress threats, but lasting stability requires coupling kinetic measures with developmental investments – education, governance and livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

Fourth, leverage the army’s unmatched organisational and technical capacity. Channel it into climate resilience, disaster management and infrastructure development – critical areas where civilian capacity remains limited and national needs are urgent.

Influence without purpose is power wasted, a ship without a compass, potential left untapped, and dominance without progress. With influence comes two obligations: responsibility and opportunity. Influence, in the end, is a test of character.

Power without purpose is three things: chaos in disguise, strength squandered and might without meaning.

Pakistan now requires a strategic pivot – a recalibration of objectives and a redeployment of assets. The mission briefing is unambiguous: secure economic fairness, fortify regional stability and hold the line on internal security through development as much as defence. Without such a course correction, power risks becoming firepower without a target.

The writer is a columnist based in Islamabad. He tweets/posts @saleemfarrukh and can be reached at: farrukh15@hotmail.com