● The military’s unchecked commercial empire exploits public resources, cripples civilian businesses, and undermines democracy in Pakistan.
● A nationwide boycott of military-owned businesses is essential to restore accountability, economic sovereignty, and democratic governance.
Pakistan is grappling with an insidious force that has not only betrayed the public trust multiple times but also has an evergrowing role in crippling the nation’s economy and democracy: the military’s unchecked commercial empire. Military-owned businesses are not mere economic entities; they are tools of oppression, corruption, and exploitation, thriving at the expense of the Pakistani people. This article lays bare the sad and treacherous reality of this military monopoly and calls for a decisive, nationwide boycott to dismantle this parallel economy.
Taxpayer Money Turned Against the People
The military, funded by the sweat and blood of ordinary Pakistanis, is constitutionally obligated to defend the nation’s borders. Instead, it has turned its weapons—bought with public money—on unarmed civilians. Incidents like the Islamabad massacre, where peaceful protesters were met with brutal violence, highlight the military leadership’s betrayal of its mandate.
By patronizing military-owned businesses, citizens unwittingly fund this cycle of oppression. Every rupee spent on military enterprises strengthens an institution that has weaponized its resources against the very people who sustain it.
The military’s role is to protect Pakistan’s sovereignty, yet it has morphed into an unaccountable business conglomerate, operating in real estate, agriculture, retail, and more. This economic overreach has crushed civilian businesses, robbed the private sector of opportunities, and left millions jobless.
The military’s enterprises enjoy undue privileges: tax exemptions, access to state land, and immunity from scrutiny. These advantages allow them to monopolize markets, driving civilian competitors into ruin. Meanwhile, the generals, cloaked in unearned patriotism, line their pockets with the spoils of this economic hegemony.
The Myth of Supporting Martyrs’ Families
One of the military’s justification for its business empire—that it supports the families of martyrs—might possibly be a cover. Even if some funds trickle down to these families, the sheer scale of revenue generated far exceeds these needs. Where does the rest of the money go? The lavish lifestyles of generals and their inexplicable wealth increase during their tenures provide the answer.
This narrative also exposes a grim truth: the military has created a parallel economy, independent of government oversight. Instead of relying on the state’s defense budget, which is already exorbitant, the military siphons off public wealth through its monopolistic enterprises. This not only undermines civilian governance but also starves the government of revenue needed for education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The Military’s Economic Empire: A State Within a State
The military’s economic activities are not just unethical; they are unconstitutional. By prioritizing profit over patriotism, the military has abandoned its duty to the nation. Its economic dominance has turned it into a “state within a state,” wielding unchecked power that extends far beyond the battlefield.
This parallel state sabotages civilian institutions, orchestrates regime changes, and manipulates the democratic process. Additionally, the military’s deep entanglement in politics and business explains its reluctance to resolve conflicts like the Kashmir issue or bring lasting peace. War or instability threatens their commercial interests, leading to a preference for maintaining the status quo over genuine conflict resolution. This dual role as both a military and a business entity undermines national security and governance, as no military involved in profit-driven ventures can truly prioritize the welfare of the nation.
It has become a shadowy entity, operating with impunity and exploiting Pakistan’s resources for its gain. The people of Pakistan must ask themselves: how long will they tolerate this?
Why a Nationwide Boycott is the Only Solution
A nationwide boycott of military-owned businesses is not just a moral imperative; it is a practical necessity. Here’s why:
1. Reclaim Economic Sovereignty: By rejecting military-run enterprises, Pakistanis can break the monopoly and create space for civilian businesses to thrive.
2. Demand Accountability: A boycott will force the military to answer for its unchecked economic and political power.
3. Restore Public Resources: Ending the military’s economic dominance will redirect revenue to the government, enabling better public services and infrastructure.
4. Strengthen Democracy: A weakened military monopoly will allow civilian institutions to function without interference, fostering true democratic governance.
The Time to Act is Now, Reclaim Pakistan
Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The military’s unchecked power has not only crippled the economy but also eroded the nation’s democratic foundations. Its monopolistic grip on the economy, coupled with its oppressive tactics, has made it clear: this is not an institution serving the people; it is an empire serving itself.
To reclaim Pakistan’s future, the people must act decisively. Boycotting military-owned businesses is not just an act of protest; it is a path to breaking this huge monopoly. By rejecting this parallel economy, Pakistanis can dismantle the military’s stranglehold and rebuild a nation where power rests with the people, not an unaccountable elite.
The message is clear: stop funding your oppressors. Boycott military-owned businesses. Demand accountability. Reclaim Pakistan.
