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The Army and Democracy: Military Politics in Pakistan
Since Pakistan gained independence in 1947, only once has an elected government completed its tenure and peacefully transferred power to another elected government. In sharp contrast to neighboring India, the Muslim nation has been ruled by its military for over three decades. Even when they were not directly in control of the government, the armed forces maintained a firm grip on national politics. How the military became Pakistan's foremost power elite and what its unchecked authority means for the future of this nuclear-armed nation are among the crucial questions Aqil Shah takes up in The Army and Democracy."
Pakistan's and India's armies inherited their organization, training, and doctrines from their British predecessor, along with an ethic that regarded politics as outside the military domain. But Pakistan's weak national solidarity, exacerbated by a mentality that saw war with India looming around every corner, empowered the military to take national security and ultimately government into its own hands. As the military's habit of disrupting the natural course of politics gained strength over time, it arrested the development of democratic institutions.
Based on archival materials, internal military documents, and over 100 interviews with politicians, civil servants, and Pakistani officers, including four service chiefs and three heads of the clandestine Inter-Services Intelligence, The Army and Democracy" provides insight into the military's contentious relationship with Pakistan's civilian government. Shah"identifies steps for reforming Pakistan's armed forces and reducing its interference in politics, and sees lessons for fragile democracies striving to bring the military under civilian control.
Pakistan's and India's armies inherited their organization, training, and doctrines from their British predecessor, along with an ethic that regarded politics as outside the military domain. But Pakistan's weak national solidarity, exacerbated by a mentality that saw war with India looming around every corner, empowered the military to take national security and ultimately government into its own hands. As the military's habit of disrupting the natural course of politics gained strength over time, it arrested the development of democratic institutions.
Based on archival materials, internal military documents, and over 100 interviews with politicians, civil servants, and Pakistani officers, including four service chiefs and three heads of the clandestine Inter-Services Intelligence, The Army and Democracy" provides insight into the military's contentious relationship with Pakistan's civilian government. Shah"identifies steps for reforming Pakistan's armed forces and reducing its interference in politics, and sees lessons for fragile democracies striving to bring the military under civilian control.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published April 21, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 10, 2026
I love reading political history that is written in a manner of investigative journalism. Very rarely, does a political history book lands in my purview that is both delightful to read from an english language standpoint as well as factually impressive. And this book is easily one of them!
Aqil Shah's writing prowess demonstrates that he indeed went to an impressive American University and came out a learned man. The very manner in which he used English language, makes it hard for the reader to tell whether they're reading a Pakistani author. Yes that's how marvellously well-written his english prose is. It's calculated where it needs to be, glossy where it needs to be, heavy where it needs to be and most importantly, subtly critical instead of tellingly ( a quality which in my reading experience of both British and American works, mostly only native english speakers can achieve).
In addition to his writing acumen, Aqil Shah via this book brings to us a large bevy of work which he consulted and formulated (interviews of veteran officers). His 'Reference' portion which occupies a good 100+ pages of the book (named as Notes) is something any serious reader will be tremendously thankful for. Because all voracious readers look forward to the sources of information upon which the author builds his/her argument. And I for one, not only studied but took great interest in these notes. His notes direct you to other books you might want to read in order to increase your knowledge on various topics pertaining to Pakistani Politics & History. One great find that I happened upon are the Jinnah Papers, which are the treasured records of All India Muslim League, leading upto the formation of Pakistan.
Aqil Shah makes it abundantly clear from the start of his book that he is not pro-military. He doesnot even spare Ayub Khan (the indisputable Hero of Pakistan). Which is why most readers who admired the stalwart regimes of Ayub Khan and Pervez Musharaf will find it difficult to give this book a chance, primarily on the basis of Aqil's bias against Pakistani Military as well as his inability to see some good them. However, the key to reading this book is open mindedness. And if you're not a sensible reader i.e. unable to tap into the opposing point of view to expand your critical thinking, you will find yourself flummoxed during numerous parts of the book. I will say this too: Aqil Shah makes it easy for his readers to be open minded on this journey with him. How? He employs sophisticated use of sentence structure and placement to contend a view point. He also maintains a delicate balance in when to abandon a given story line in order to connect or start the next one that skillfully adds to the plot : Army's intervention in democracy. Because of these skills, I found it incredibly engaging to read what Aqil has to say about Pakistani Military's proclivities of inserting itself into State politics repeatedly. And soon, I was able to understand the argument this book attempts to make.
I am a patriotic Pakistani. For me Pervez Musharaf is one of the greatest heroes of Pakistan. When I moved to Pakistan, it was during the last 5 years of his regime. It was a wonderful time to be a Pakistani and to be living in Pakistan. Therefore, I will not include in my review the areas that are correct in demonizing military's control of power nor will I share the areas that are weak in villifying the military for their interjection. Because it is not a one size fits all. The sole purpose of the book is to understand simply: Why Pakistan became a Garrison State early in its Formative Years and continues to remain one. Why democracy never thrives in Pakistan (because it is not permitted to for reasons effectively stitched by Aqil)
Give this book a chance! It competes with Gary J. Bass's The Blood Telegram (on Gen.Yahya Khan's genocidal campaign in East Pakistan and the resulting catastrophic dismemberment of it to Bangladesh)
Aqil Shah's writing prowess demonstrates that he indeed went to an impressive American University and came out a learned man. The very manner in which he used English language, makes it hard for the reader to tell whether they're reading a Pakistani author. Yes that's how marvellously well-written his english prose is. It's calculated where it needs to be, glossy where it needs to be, heavy where it needs to be and most importantly, subtly critical instead of tellingly ( a quality which in my reading experience of both British and American works, mostly only native english speakers can achieve).
In addition to his writing acumen, Aqil Shah via this book brings to us a large bevy of work which he consulted and formulated (interviews of veteran officers). His 'Reference' portion which occupies a good 100+ pages of the book (named as Notes) is something any serious reader will be tremendously thankful for. Because all voracious readers look forward to the sources of information upon which the author builds his/her argument. And I for one, not only studied but took great interest in these notes. His notes direct you to other books you might want to read in order to increase your knowledge on various topics pertaining to Pakistani Politics & History. One great find that I happened upon are the Jinnah Papers, which are the treasured records of All India Muslim League, leading upto the formation of Pakistan.
Aqil Shah makes it abundantly clear from the start of his book that he is not pro-military. He doesnot even spare Ayub Khan (the indisputable Hero of Pakistan). Which is why most readers who admired the stalwart regimes of Ayub Khan and Pervez Musharaf will find it difficult to give this book a chance, primarily on the basis of Aqil's bias against Pakistani Military as well as his inability to see some good them. However, the key to reading this book is open mindedness. And if you're not a sensible reader i.e. unable to tap into the opposing point of view to expand your critical thinking, you will find yourself flummoxed during numerous parts of the book. I will say this too: Aqil Shah makes it easy for his readers to be open minded on this journey with him. How? He employs sophisticated use of sentence structure and placement to contend a view point. He also maintains a delicate balance in when to abandon a given story line in order to connect or start the next one that skillfully adds to the plot : Army's intervention in democracy. Because of these skills, I found it incredibly engaging to read what Aqil has to say about Pakistani Military's proclivities of inserting itself into State politics repeatedly. And soon, I was able to understand the argument this book attempts to make.
I am a patriotic Pakistani. For me Pervez Musharaf is one of the greatest heroes of Pakistan. When I moved to Pakistan, it was during the last 5 years of his regime. It was a wonderful time to be a Pakistani and to be living in Pakistan. Therefore, I will not include in my review the areas that are correct in demonizing military's control of power nor will I share the areas that are weak in villifying the military for their interjection. Because it is not a one size fits all. The sole purpose of the book is to understand simply: Why Pakistan became a Garrison State early in its Formative Years and continues to remain one. Why democracy never thrives in Pakistan (because it is not permitted to for reasons effectively stitched by Aqil)
Give this book a chance! It competes with Gary J. Bass's The Blood Telegram (on Gen.Yahya Khan's genocidal campaign in East Pakistan and the resulting catastrophic dismemberment of it to Bangladesh)
August 7, 2021
I find it highly biased against Pak Army. While it is true that Pak Army made many mistakes down the history lane, but all is not wrong with them. The writer has accused Army even for acting under different Acts passed by the parliament like Army Act, Civil Power Act, PEMRA Act etc. Morever, no proofs have been provided for whatever wrong has been associated with the Army and has used word "reportedly" repeatedly with whatever has been associated with Army.
Seemed like I am a Palestinian reading about Israel Army. The writer has crossed all extremes by associating 2014 dharna an Army orchestrated drama and during all these baseless allegations(some were true though), has forgotten the stupidity and authoritarian tendencies of stupid politicians like Nawaz and Zardari and their casual attitude towards governing the country. I find it highly reprehensible and distasteful read owing to the injustices mentioned.
Seemed like I am a Palestinian reading about Israel Army. The writer has crossed all extremes by associating 2014 dharna an Army orchestrated drama and during all these baseless allegations(some were true though), has forgotten the stupidity and authoritarian tendencies of stupid politicians like Nawaz and Zardari and their casual attitude towards governing the country. I find it highly reprehensible and distasteful read owing to the injustices mentioned.
January 11, 2015
Not impressed!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews