Crisis Within: Pakistan Army Faces Deepening Internal Woes
Pakistan’s military faces internal turmoil, outdated gear, and low morale, exposing cracks in its defense posture amid rising India tensions.
Crisis Within: Pakistan Army Faces Deepening Internal Woes
In a stark contrast to its traditionally formidable image, the Pakistan Army is grappling with a deep-rooted internal crisis. As tensions simmer with India following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, the cracks within the military’s foundation are becoming difficult to ignore. Interviews with insiders and recent leaks paint a troubling picture of strained resources, declining morale, and growing dissent among junior and mid-level officers.
A Silent Revolt: Dissent Brews Among Officers
Voices from within the ranks suggest that frustration is mounting over the military’s longstanding reliance on proxy warfare. Officers are reportedly questioning the wisdom of continuing to support groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), arguing that these tactics no longer serve Pakistan’s strategic interests. Unlike in past decades, these operations now invite swift retaliation and global censure rather than leverage.
The 2019 Balakot airstrikes were a pivotal moment. India’s bold response demonstrated its willingness to cross borders and challenge Pakistan directly—an action that laid bare the vulnerabilities of proxy warfare and exposed the myth of strategic deniability. Since then, Pakistan’s international isolation has deepened, with measures like its former grey-listing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) underlining global frustration with Islamabad’s approach.
An Aging Arsenal: Pakistan’s Military Gear Falls Behind
Pakistan’s conventional defense capabilities are also facing serious erosion. India’s investment in cutting-edge systems, including the S-400 missile defense shield and advanced drones, has created a clear strategic gap. In contrast, Pakistani troops stationed in critical regions like Kashmir are reportedly still using outdated Type 56 rifles and lack access to modern night-vision devices.
A leaked 2024 memo from the Rawalpindi Corps highlighted these shortcomings starkly. Units in the harsh terrains of Siachen are forced to reuse frostbitten winter clothing. Artillery divisions face shell shortages, and only 30% of their required stockpiles are available. The situation is so dire that soldiers are turning to civilian smartphones for reconnaissance due to the absence of military-grade surveillance drones.
Budget Cuts and Austerity: The Economic Stranglehold
The roots of these problems extend deep into Pakistan’s financial crisis. Inflation has surged past 38%, and the debt-to-GDP ratio is now at a staggering 88%. These economic woes have bled into defense funding, leading to a 15% reduction in the 2023–24 military budget.
Junior officers have reportedly gone unpaid for months, and several frontline units are said to be crowdfunding to meet basic operational needs. Infrastructure improvements have taken a back seat, with funds diverted to manage national debt obligations. This has left vital outposts along the Line of Control (LoC) vulnerable and under-resourced.
Mental Toll: The Invisible Wounds of War
Amid physical hardships, the psychological impact on soldiers is increasingly alarming. A 2023 Armed Forces Health Survey revealed that 25% of troops showed signs of PTSD, with suicide rates among personnel increasing by 40% since 2020. Rotations for Pakistani soldiers on the LoC last 12–18 months—double or even triple that of their Indian counterparts—exacerbating burnout and trauma.
The lack of adequate facilities at forward bases has led to fatal outcomes. In one tragic incident, six soldiers reportedly died from frostbite in Gurez due to insufficient gear—a stark reminder of the human cost of institutional neglect.
Recruitment Drops, Desertions Rise
These conditions are eroding the army’s recruitment pipeline. Young men from volatile regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are increasingly steering clear of military service, viewing it as a high-risk path with little reward. Recruitment from such regions fell by 35% in 2023. Moreover, over 200 soldiers deserted their posts last year, citing despair and disillusionment with the ongoing operations in Kashmir.
Families of fallen or injured troops also face hardship. Delayed compensations, lack of healthcare, and bureaucratic red tape have left many dependents in limbo—further damaging the army’s image at home.
A Strategy in Crisis as Tensions Flare
These revelations come at a precarious moment. In the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 mostly civilian tourists dead, India has vowed to respond with decisive force. Yet Pakistan, while projecting strength through public statements, faces an uphill battle in terms of preparedness. The gap between rhetoric and readiness has perhaps never been wider.
Conclusion: A Military at a Crossroads
The Pakistan Army is at a critical juncture. What was once seen as the country’s most disciplined and capable institution is now battling systemic dysfunction. From economic limitations to strategic miscalculations and human resource crises, the signs are clear: internal reform is not just necessary—it’s urgent.
Without a serious reassessment of military doctrine, investment in modern equipment, and genuine attention to soldier welfare, Pakistan risks weakening its own hand at a time when regional volatility is surging. The façade of strength can no longer mask the fractures beneath.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on publicly available reports, leaked documents, and expert insights. It reflects ongoing challenges reported within the Pakistan Army and does not intend to disparage any individual or institution. All facts have been presented in good faith for journalistic and informational purposes.
source :New18