 "How military adventurism is running high in Pakistan")
As if no lessons were learnt by Pakistan in the wake of Operation Sindoor, there is no let-up in the military buildup and war hysteria. In the latest, Pakistan is believed to be considering a new force in the military to oversee missile combat capabilities in a conventional conflict, obviously a move to match India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced (August 13) the creation of the Army Rocket Force at a ceremony in Islamabad to commemorate the “worst conflict in decades” with India in May this year.
It was held a day ahead of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day. It will be equipped with modern technology, Sharif said in a statement from his office, adding that the force will prove to be a milestone in strengthening the combat capability of Pakistan’s army. A senior security official, however, said that the force would have its own command, which will be dedicated to handling and deployment of missiles in any event of a conventional war. It is more than apparent that it is meant for India. This comes in the aftermath of the terror attack killing 26 civilians in Pahalgam in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which was carried out by The Resistance Front, a proxy of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.
In another development, Sharif, on August 13, invited all political parties, stakeholders, and civil society to become part of the ‘Charter of Pakistan’s Stability’, stressing the need to cut across political lines, personal interests, and hollow slogans. Addressing the main event on Independence Day and the commemoration of the Marka-i-Haq “victory” in Islamabad, he said the proposed charter was not merely an economic revival plan but a framework based on broader national interest. He emphasised that the world should see that, despite differences, Pakistanis remained united for the country’s cause. During his speech, Shehbaz claimed that in just four days, India’s “arrogance” had been “shattered”, and its future generations would remember the defeat. Such language and tenor from a prime minister are sadly devoid of any civility and decorum and convey an act of military jingoism.
Shehbaz Sharif must know that his Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, is the de facto ruler, and Sharif plus all his cabinet colleagues are merely puppets in the hands of the military under Munir, which is on its own pursuing a military agenda without any approval from the civilian government. He credited Pakistan’s nuclear capability as a strategic necessity in response to India’s nuclear might. The Pakistani prime minister also expressed gratitude to “friendly” countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, the UAE, and Iran, for their open support of Pakistan’s stance during its military conflict with India.
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More ShortsSharif also thanked US President Donald Trump for his “efforts” toward a ceasefire, hoping for a resolution to the Kashmir “dispute” in line with UN resolutions. This was yet another provocative statement, especially with regard to Kashmir.
Shehbaz also praised the leadership of Munir and other top military commanders for what he termed a “swift and decisive response” to India’s provocation. Such open praise conveys that Sharif is clearly under the subservience of the military chief, apprehending a slight nudge which might lead to his exit towards oblivion. He also stated that the military strategy devised under Munir has been widely recognised by both allies and adversaries. Reaffirming and claiming Pakistan’s strategic position as the world’s seventh and the only Muslim nuclear power, he said the country’s nuclear programme had always been a deterrent and not a symbol of aggression. Interestingly, military contingents from Turkey and Azerbaijan also participated in the celebrations.
In another development, Munir has been honoured with a prestigious war medal by visiting Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Azerbaijan Army, Colonel General Karim Valiyev, clearly signalling growing military and political ties with Azerbaijan. This is visible due to the common religion, which should ideally not find any place in today’s geopolitics. Colonel General Valiyev conferred upon Munir Azerbaijan’s prestigious Patriotic War Medal for ‘Services in the Field of Military Cooperation’, on behalf of President Illham Aliyev, in recognition of his “exceptional contributions” in Azerbaijan-Pakistan bilateral military cooperation.
General Valiyev commended Pakistan’s unwavering efforts in “combating terrorism” and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s determination to enhance collaboration in defence and security. Both the leaders held a meeting to discuss matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on the prevailing global and regional security landscape. Munir, on his part, reaffirmed Pakistan’s deep fraternal bonds with Azerbaijan and reiterated the resolve to further consolidate bilateral relations. He also congratulated the visiting dignitary on the successful conclusion of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Munir thanked Azerbaijan’s leadership and people for standing together with the people of Pakistan during Marka-i-Haq. Both military leaders expressed a shared commitment to advancing defence cooperation and promoting joint efforts for regional peace and stability. It may be recapitulated that in 2023, Munir had visited Azerbaijan, aiming to strengthen military collaboration between the two nations. It may also be stated that Azerbaijan had signed a massive $1.6 billion deal with Pakistan to acquire JF-17 Block III fighter jets, developed by Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group. Crucially, we see here a robust, defence-centric reinforcing of ties between Azerbaijan and Pakistan, which calls for a stricter close watch by Indian policymakers.
In the meantime, Pakistani print media has also stepped up its tirade against India, giving vent to its frustration following Pakistan’s military humiliation post Operation Sindoor. In its editorial, Dawn (a popular English daily) alleges India’s attempts to isolate Pakistan by creating obstructions on Indus waters. Attempts are also afoot, it says, to depict Pakistan as an irresponsible nation where the nuclear issue is concerned.
The Dawn further alleges that India, using unverified reports as a peg, has accused Pakistan of “nuclear sabre-rattling”, while blaming extremists who could “compromise” Islamabad’s nuclear decision-making.
Taking into account the media inputs, Pakistan’s deepening defence deals with Azerbaijan, Sharif’s military-linked warlike statements, the announcement to create an exclusive Army Rocket Force and other related developments, it is becoming increasingly clear that Pakistan is embracing military jingoism. This does not augur well at all. It is time Pakistan learns its lessons from the effects of Operation Sindoor and does not escalate any war hysteria.
The writer is a retired IPS officer, adviser NatStrat, Bangladesh watcher and a security analyst. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.
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