In international politics, national power remains the ultimate hallmark of a sovereign state. A state’s ability to safeguard its independence, protect its territorial integrity and pursue its national interests depends upon the effective combination of various elements commonly referred to as the elements of national power. These include components such as geography, population, economy, political stability, national institutions, leadership and military strength. Among these elements, geopolitics occupies a central position in determining a state’s power potential. Geography not only defines opportunities for economic and diplomatic engagement but also exposes vulnerabilities that demand robust security arrangements. Equally important are the role of the masses and a credible economy. However, history unequivocally demonstrates that military power remains the decisive factor that ensures the survival and sovereignty of states.
Pakistan is uniquely positioned in this regard. Blessed with a strategic geopolitical location, Pakistan serves as a pivotal junction linking various regions of Asia. This geostrategic centrality enhances Pakistan’s relevance in regional and global politics, but it also attracts persistent rivalries, external pressures and security challenges. Such a strategic environment necessitates a strong, credible and professional military apparatus. Traditionally, the Pakistan military has functioned as a principal pillar of national power and a guarantor of the country’s sovereignty. The significance of military strength becomes particularly evident when one examines states that lack credible defensive capabilities.
History is replete with examples where politically fragile or militarily weak states, despite possessing vast natural resources, have remained vulnerable to external coercion, intervention or regime destabilization (Venezuela being the most recent example). Military weakness invites pressure, whereas military strength deters aggression. In this context, Pakistan’s defence forces have repeatedly demonstrated their capacity to withstand challenges and protect national interests against formidable odds. Over the past two decades, Pakistan has confronted one of the most complex security environments in the world. The country became a frontline state in the so-called global war against terrorism, facing an unprecedented wave of violence aimed at undermining its state structure, economy and social cohesion. Contrary to widespread assumptions that Pakistan would succumb to chaos similar to other conflict-ridden states, the Pakistan military, backed by the unwavering support of the masses, successfully neutralized terrorist networks and restored internal stability. At the domestic level, the military simultaneously confronted multiple security threats: sub-nationalist insurgencies, extremist groups operating under the guise of religion and militant outfits exploiting border vulnerabilities. In particular, terrorist organizations operating from across the western border continued to challenge Pakistan’s security, especially after the Taliban regime took over power in Afghanistan. Despite these multifaceted threats, Pakistan’s defence forces maintained operational effectiveness, resilience and strategic clarity.
Equally important has been Pakistan’s ability to deter and respond to conventional threats. On several occasions, the Pakistan military has demonstrated its preparedness and resolve in the face of regional aggression, reinforcing deterrence stability and preserving national sovereignty. These successes underscore a fundamental reality: without a strong and professional military, Pakistan’s geopolitical relevance would become a strategic liability rather than an asset. Historically, the Pakistani military has drawn its greatest strength from the masses. This civil-military bond, rooted in shared sacrifice, mutual trust and national purpose, has enabled the defence forces to overcome extraordinary challenges. However, in recent years, a troubling trend has emerged: the deliberate politicization and defamation of Pakistan’s military through coordinated campaigns involving certain political actors, non-state elements and hostile information networks, particularly on social media. This phenomenon has both domestic and external dimensions. Domestically, such campaigns aim to erode public trust in the country’s most organized, disciplined and widely respected institution. Externally, these efforts align with broader hostile agendas designed to weaken Pakistan from within after repeated failures to confront it through direct means. Strategic theorists such as Carl von Clausewitz and Sun Tzu emphasized that the most effective way to defeat an adversary is to fracture its internal cohesion and morale rather than confront it head-on. The targeting of Pakistan’s military through politicization reflects this classical strategy. Undermining the bond between the military and the masses is not accidental; it is a calculated attempt to neutralize Pakistan’s primary line of defence. No external power can subjugate Pakistan so long as its military remains professional, united and firmly supported by the people. Past attempts to weaken Pakistan through proxy warfare, terrorism and diplomatic isolation failed precisely because of this enduring relationship. It is therefore imperative to recognize that these challenges pose threats of hybrid warfare, which seek to create fault lines, generate mistrust and paralyze national institutions. Awareness of these strategies is essential for safeguarding national unity and sovereignty.
Today, the Pakistan military ranks among the world’s most professional and battle-hardened forces (Operation Bunyan al Marsoos of May 2025 is just a recent example). Its personnel confront an array of threats—conventional and unconventional, kinetic and non-kinetic—while also addressing the evolving challenges of hybrid warfare. The leadership of the military, especially the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), FM Asim Munir, deserves due recognition for steering the institution through some of the most testing periods in Pakistan’s history.
Indeed, military power remains indispensable for the sovereignty and survival of Pakistan. Respect for the defence forces and confidence in their leadership are not matters of sentiment but strategic necessities. A strong Pakistan requires a strong military, firmly anchored in the trust and support of its people. Any attempt to weaken this foundation ultimately threatens the state itself and must be recognized, resisted and defeated through national unity and strategic awareness.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
