Civil-Military Relations of Pakistan from 1947 To 2022

Abstract

This research paper critically examines the evolution of civil-military relations in Pakistan from 1947 to 2022.It has analysed the persistent imbalance between civilian authority and military influence within the state’s political framework. The study explores how historical legacies, institutional weaknesses, and geopolitical dynamics contributed to the military’s intervention in governance. Through a chronological and analytical approach, the paper highlights key political transitions, constitutional developments, and major military regimes that have shaped Pakistan’s civil-military equation. It also examines the implications of these relations on democratic consolidation, policymaking, and national security. Employing both qualitative and historical methods, the research integrates primary and secondary sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural and ideological factors sustaining military dominance. Ultimately, the paper argues that the enduring contest for power between civilian institutions and the military has deeply influenced Pakistan’s political stability and democratic trajectory.

Keywords: Civil-Military Relations, Political Framework, Political Transitions, Constitutional Developments, Democratic Trajectory