A prominent Balochistan activist has detailed the extensive business empire allegedly controlled by the Pakistan Army, painting a picture of a military deeply entrenched in the nation’s economy. The activist, Mir Yar Baloch, highlights how the army’s influence stretches far beyond its traditional defense roles, encompassing a vast array of commercial ventures. These reportedly include everyday consumer goods like biscuits and butter, television production, airlines, banking institutions, and substantial real estate holdings. This extensive commercial network operates while the Pakistani national economy faces significant challenges and relies on international financial aid.
Mir Yar argues that this corporate structure stands in stark contrast to the army’s military performance. He points to Pakistan’s military history, citing repeated conflicts with India and the 1999 Kargil intrusion, suggesting that the army has not achieved significant victories. He contrasts this with the perception of militaries in other nations, which are primarily focused on border security and citizen protection. The activist claims the Pakistan Army functions more as a massive conglomerate, generating billions in revenue while ordinary citizens endure economic hardship. The implications of such a powerful military-economic complex are significant for Pakistan’s future stability and development.
