The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on 10th May cleared a loan of about $1 billion to Pakistan with India abstaining from the vote and describing the move as “Dangerous”. Since 1989, Pakistan has had disbursements from the IMF in 29 years. In the last 5 years since 2019, there have been 5 IMF programs.India, an active IMF member, said rewarding continued sponsorship of cross-border terrorism “sends a dangerous message to the global community, exposes funding agencies and donors to reputational risks, and makes a mockery of global values”.
India said while the concern that continued inflows from the IMF, could be misused for military and state-sponsored cross-border terrorist purposes resonated with several member countries.“This is a serious gap highlighting the urgent need to ensure that moral values are given appropriate consideration in the procedures followed by global financial institutions.
"India in my view should not have abstained from the IMF bailout discussion on Pakistan. Instead, India should have attended and clearly articulated its stance, using the platform to highlight its concerns and strategic considerations."

Critique of IMF Dependency: Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa

Dr Ayesha Siddiqa, a prominent Pakistani scholar specializing in civil-military relations and political economy, has provided critical insights into Pakistan's repeated engagements with the IMF. Her analyses highlight the structural issues and governance challenges that underlie the country's reliance on IMF bailouts.
In her writings, Dr. Siddiqa emphasizes that successive Pakistani governments have often blamed their predecessors for economic mismanagement yet continue the cycle of seeking IMF assistance without implementing substantial reforms. She points out that despite repeated IMF programs, the country has not achieved sustainable economic stability, indicating deeper systemic problems.

Military's Role in Economic Mismanagement

Dr. Siddiqa's seminal work, Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan's Military Economy, delves into the military's significant involvement in the country's economic affairs. She argues that the military's extensive business interests and lack of accountability have contributed to economic inefficiencies and corruption, further complicating efforts to achieve fiscal discipline and transparency.

Structural Reforms and Political Will

Dr. Siddiqa advocates comprehensive structural reforms, including broadening the tax base, reducing military expenditures, and enhancing governance standards. She stresses that without genuine political will and a commitment to reform; Pakistan is likely to remain trapped in a cycle of debt and dependency on external financial assistance.
"Nations have an army, but Pakistan has an army that has a nation"
"Nations have an army, but Pakistan has an army that has a nation" is a critical commentary on the role and influence of the military in Pakistan's political and societal structures. It's often used by analysts, journalists, and critics to highlight the unusually dominant position the Pakistani military holds within the country.
It implies in a normal situation where a country's military is subordinate to the civilian government, serving under its command to protect national sovereignty and interests. It also suggests that in Pakistan, the military wields disproportionate power and influence—not just in defense matters but also in political, economic, and even foreign policy decisions.

Context and Background

The Pakistani military, particularly the Army, has played a central role in the country's governance since its independence in 1947.
Pakistan has experienced multiple military coups, and the military has ruled the country for nearly half of its existence through direct or indirect means.
Even during periods of civilian government, the army has often acted as a Kingmaker, influencing elections, foreign policy (especially regarding India and Afghanistan), and internal security matters.
This imbalance raises concerns about Democracy, Civil-Military relations, and institutional autonomy. This widespread perception that the Pakistan Army has a substantial level of power and influence within the country's government and decision-making processes. It suggests that the military's role extends beyond its traditional duties of national defense and plays a crucial part in shaping both domestic and foreign policy. This influence is often attributed to the military's historical role in the country's political development, including its involvement in coups and its ability to exert influence even when civilian governments are in place.
“Even when a civilian government is in power now, the army continues to play an outsized role in domestic politics and extends its tentacles deep into the economy. A 2021 UN report described military-linked businesses as the “largest conglomerate in Pakistan”. The situation has not changed for the better; rather the Pakistan Army now plays a leading role in the Special Investment Facilitation Council of Pakistan."
Daniel Pearl’s Father Slams Pakistan Army
Judea Pearl, father of slain journalist Daniel Pearl, condemned Pakistan army after photos showed the personnel at the funeral of terrorists killed in Indian strikes. Led by Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders, the funeral underscored Pakistan’s ties to banned groups. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Judea Pearl questioned the intent behind such a public display of support.
“I wish these dignitaries could tell us: What exactly are you mourning? What role models do you wish your children to revere? What have you learned from this man?” Judea Pearl wrote, referring to the terrorists being honored.

Pakistan Army Generals Attend Terrorists Funeral

The funerals of the terrorists were held in Lahore, Muridke and Muzaffarabad. Several Pakistani Army Generals and officers were seen attending the funerals. In Muridke, Lashkar-E-Taiba terrorist Hafiz Abdul Rauf led the prayers who was surrounded by personnel of the Pakistani military. Coffins of terrorists were wrapped in Pakistan’s National flag giving a State Funerals. The funeral prayer was led by Hafiz Abdul Rauf, a LeT operative, underscoring Pakistan’s continued ties with terror groups. The funeral was for Qari Abdul Malik, Khalid, and Mudassir, killed in India’s strike on the terror group’s headquarters under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The public funeral, attended by Pakistan Army Generals in uniform and banned terror groups, is enough evidence of the Pakistan’s army close brotherly ties to Terrorism. India has reiterated its stance that open support to terror outfits undermines global counterterrorism efforts. Hope the World is a witness to the bonhomie of Pakistan Army and the Terror Groups- Photos don’t lie.

Email:-----------------------rcpat311@gmail.com