Pakistan army is one of the greatest militaries in the history of humanity. With Centuries of glorified history, first as the British Indian Army, and now the Pakistani Army, it is one of most effective forces on the face of the planet. Its services to Pakistan are countless, from giving Pakistan GB, Azad Kashmir to holding its territorial integrity in 65, 71, Siachen, and Kargil, to deterring military conflict in 2003, 2006, and 2017. Similarly, its contribution during natural calamities such as earthquake tragedies and floods is unmatched. In these natural calamities, brave soldiers impacted hundreds of thousands of lives by working day and night tirelessly. Moreover, millions of Pakistani youth today are educated in Army schools, colleges, and universities, which have exceeded the standard of education and helped create an educated and disciplined workforce in Pakistan.

Recently, these same men gave 10s of thousands of lives against the deadliest terrorist insurgency on the planet and continue to sacrifice dozens of soldiers monthly to protect its citizens from some of the most brutal and evil ideologies yet to face the nation. During this conflict, Pakistani soldiers and their families were beheaded, crucified, enslaved, and subjected to atrocities unfathomable to average citizens. Yet, these men rushed into battle with little regard for their lives to protect Pakistan’s citizens and uphold its constitution, which grants them the right to religious freedom, expression, and democracy. The bravery of the Pakistani soldier and love for its homeland and constitution is unquestionable. We have examples of courage and excellence throughout Pakistan’s history. Capt. Sher Khan, Havildar Lalak Jan, Rashid Minhas, Capt. Ammar is just an example of the selflessness and bravery these men have for their nation and show the values and culture of the Pakistan Army. We call these men our heroes, as they are fiercely determined to go to any extent to protect civilians from external threats and homegrown terror to ensure the freedoms their constitution grants them within the powers the constitution grants them.

The constitution of Pakistan is the spirit of the nation. The objectives resolution, embedded in this document, is what proclaims Pakistan’s identity, provides a framework to govern the country, and grants these freedoms while defining the essence and responsibilities of the State. It gives us a framework to expand on, mold, and grow to meet the nation’s needs to suit a time through elected representatives. Throughout history, most of Pakistan has been uneducated and had no access to news, television, or independent media. Today’s digital revolution has empowered Pakistani citizens to analyze events, educate themselves, and use their constitutional democratic right to vote and express their opinions. For these rights of the ordinary citizen, the Pakistan Army continues to be one of the fatal jobs on the planet.

Whether it was India, Terrorism, or a natural calamity, we have seen Pakistani soldiers rise to the occasion in every instance that its citizens were threatened with utmost bravery and professionalism. For that, the Pakistani loves its army and salutes its men. Based on the history of sacrifices and courage, these men believe in Quaid-e-Azam and Iqbal and their vision of a free society where people can practice the religion they want and express themselves freely. It isn’t unreasonable to say that is the vision that continues to drive the Pakistani soldier.

Given the incredible achievements and impact of the soldier’s work, why does there seem to be an anger against the Pakistani Army today? Based on everything I mentioned here, Pakistanis love the military. There are several camps critical of the Pakistani Army. First, the elites struggle with the power the army commands and its influence on the nation. These are influential people, Nawabs, Seths, Zamindars, Feudal Lords, and Gangsters, who have the entire system figured out. They know how to cheat on taxes, and have their arms around the legal system, police, politicians, and are commanding a system that is working incredibly well for them. They have agreed to have it all and see a particular segment of the Pakistan army as competing against them. There is the legal community; parts of it had historically opposed the Pakistan army when it endangered or violated the constitution. This community has traditionally been tiny because of Pakistan’s lack of education and awareness. These educated, non-political people simply want to see the constitution thrive. Historically, with no independent media, or the internet, they enjoyed the privilege of education and awareness. The third group is modern Pakistani citizens, who are educated and aware of their rights and simply want to express their constitutional rights, be themselves, say what they want, vote, and have the economy work for the majority, which includes nearly all of the 500,000 enlisted soldiers.

Given the history of Pakistan’s army and its achievements, it’s evident that this only happens with a robust code of discipline, ethics, and the law. For example, 1000s of soldiers are imprisoned and court-martialed every year for violating the military’s code to maintain its current status. A soldier that overstays leave, for example, in most cases, will be tried with deserting, imprisoned, and court-martialed. Similarly, all disciplinary violations are dealt with an iron hand that the public and military support to maintain professionalism and readiness.

It’s easy to see that a segment of the Pakistani army has risen above the code that defines its actions, successes, and sacrifices. Anyone who has visited a cantonment has seen certain houses that have horses and golf courses within them, 100s of people working all around the property, and residents that are clueless of the plight of the average citizen. They need to appreciate what groceries, petrol, and everyday life look like outside their palaces. Similarly, based on the history of Pakistan, we can also see that this segment has historically been an untouchable boys club that can openly defy the constitution and laws of Pakistan with no expectations of justice. 1000s of soldiers are court-martialed every year, but how has not a single person above a certain grade faced legal action for violating their oath?

Arresting democratically elected representatives (and asking them to apologize), and journalists, deciding foreign policy, blackmailing politicians, and most importantly, threatening the freedoms that Pakistan was created for and that countless shaheeds have died for are the most prominent examples of oath violations that we have seen in recent years. In previous years, has there been no embezzlement of funds, corruption, or unconstitutional acts by these people? Such impunity is disrespectful to all soldiers who made sacrifices and spent their lives working tirelessly for Pakistan.  

This article is not about Imran Khan or the PDM. It is to revisit the Quaid-e-Azams vision for Pakistan. A free nation for minorities. A country where people can express themselves. A constitutional government where no one is above the law. Given the current circumstances and education in the digital era, there is no other way forward but to reimagine and elevate the constitution and Quaid-e-Azams Pakistan that countless soldier sacrificed their lives and enlisted for. With education on these topics in our youth, Pakistan shall prevail for the majority of its citizens within the constitution.