The Illusion of a 'Pakistan Army': A Colonial Legacy
Introduction:
The notion that the Pakistan army is a genuine national institution serving the interests of the state and its people is nothing but a facade. Throughout its history, the army's actions have demonstrated a self-serving agenda rather than a commitment to Pakistan's well-being. This can be traced back to its roots as a colonial force under British rule, where its purpose was to serve as a tool for colonization and suppression. Even after the birth of Pakistan, the army continued to uphold its colonial mindset, perpetuating a legacy of dominance and oppression rather than embracing its role as a defender of the nation and its people.
A Colonial Creation:
The British Indian army was established solely for the purpose of colonization and suppression, with no intention of genuinely serving the interests of the Indian people. The army was trained to view civilians as 'others' and treated them as inferiors, guilty until proven innocent. Its primary objective was the extraction of resources from India, not the welfare or defense of the Indian populace.
The Mentality of Extraction:
The British army in India operated under a mentality of extracting resources, emphasizing the interests of the colonial power rather than the well-being of the subcontinent. This mindset persisted even after the army's transformation into the Pakistan army, leading to a continued disregard for the genuine needs and aspirations of the Pakistani people.
Racist Culture:
Within the British Indian army, a racist culture prevailed, with specific castes and races assigned hierarchical positions. White officers were considered superior, followed by an elite class of Indians who were granted commissions. These Indian officers, in their quest to prove their superiority, developed an inferiority/superiority complex. This colonial legacy perpetuated divisions within the army and hindered its transformation into a national force.
Rebellion of 1857:
During the rebellion of 1857, units from the Indian subcontinent, including regions that are now part of Pakistan, fought alongside the British against the rebellion. These units played a pivotal role in suppressing the uprising, further cementing the army's association with colonialism.
Lack of Transformation:
When the British Indian army transitioned into the so-called 'Pakistan Army,' there was no sincere effort to transform it into a genuine national force. The army clung to its colonial past, refusing to adapt to the needs and aspirations of a newly independent Pakistan.
Failure to Uphold Orders:
Evidence of the army's failure to act in the best interests of Pakistan can be seen during General Gracey's tenure as Army Chief. He defied orders from Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the Governor General, by refusing to send Pakistani troops to the Kashmir front. This blatant disregard for the nation's leadership highlights the army's skewed priorities and lack of commitment to the state.
The Colonial Mindset:
Emerging from a colonial context, the Pakistani army never truly embraced its role as a defender of Pakistan. It retained the power and prestige it had assumed as a colonial power, failing to adjust to the demands of a post-colonial nation.
The First Martial Law:
The imposition of the first martial law in Pakistan sealed the army's fate as a colonial oppressor rather than a force serving the nation's constitutional and social reality. This event solidified the army's resistance to ceding any ground to the democratic institutions and perpetuated its colonial traditions.
Role in Politics:
The Pakistan Army has consistently wielded significant influence in politics, directly through military interventions and indirectly through organizations such as the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). These interventionist actions reflect a mindset of control and domination reminiscent of colonial powers, undermining the democratic process and the nation's progress.
Paramilitary Forces and Human Rights Concerns:
The Pakistan Army's paramilitary forces, such as the Frontier Corps and Rangers, have frequently employed heavy-handed tactics, disregarding human rights in their dealings with civilian populations. These actions mirror a colonial mindset that prioritizes control over the well-being and rights of the people.
Conclusion:
The idea of a 'Pakistan Army' as a truly national institution is a myth. Rooted in its colonial origins, the army has consistently prioritized its own interests and perpetuated a legacy of dominance and oppression. This mindset, coupled with the army's influential role in politics and its treatment of civilian populations, reflects a continuation of the colonial mindset rather than a genuine commitment to serving the state of Pakistan and its people.
