The role of the military has evolved far beyond traditional battlefield responsibilities. For the Pakistan Army, this shift is reflected in a robust and sustained civil engagement campaign. These ongoing engagements aim to bridge the civil-military divide.
Historically, civil-military relations in many developing countries, including Pakistan, have been shaped by periods of direct military governance and dominant institutional influence that have sometimes created a perception of the military as detached from civilian life. However, proactive and sustained efforts at engagement are reshaping that narrative, opening the door to greater cooperation, mutual understanding, and a more inclusive vision of national development.
In the digital era, where social media can rapidly amplify misinformation and distort narratives, maintaining public trust in state institutions has become both more challenging and more essential. Direct engagement enables military leaders to present accurate information, clarify policies, and address public concerns, effectively countering harmful propaganda.
Such dialogue also offers military leaders valuable insights into the hopes, challenges, and concerns of everyday citizens. This understanding helps shape military policies, ensuring operations are conducted with respect for civilian life, and can even support broader national development efforts.
While many civilians associate the military primarily with warfare, these engagements highlight its wide-ranging contributions—including disaster relief, infrastructure projects, education, healthcare, and maintaining internal peace.
The Pakistan Army’s civil engagement initiative is comprehensive and targets a broad spectrum of society through various channels. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other senior generals frequently hold direct, candid interactions that go beyond formalities. The Field Marshal, in particular, has met with Vice Chancellors, principals, and senior faculty members across universities nationwide.
These dialogues, known as “Hilal Talks,” provide forums for exchanging views on national, regional, and international matters. In regions like Balochistan, senior military leaders participate in grand jirgas with tribal elders to discuss security concerns, counter foreign-backed terrorism, and ensure local communities are engaged as partners in peace-building.
Senior military officials regularly deliver keynote addresses at national seminars, think tanks, and public forums, articulating the military’s stance on national security, economic stability, and regional affairs. These venues help disseminate the Army’s strategic vision and its dedication to national progress.
The DG ISPR plays a central role. The DG ISPR’s engagements are vital for shaping public perception and delivering timely, accurate information. The current DG ISPR, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, frequently conducts interactive sessions with students and educators. These meetings provide direct communication channels to dispel misinformation. For example, after successful operations against external aggression or internal terrorism, the DG ISPR personally engages with students, reaffirming the strength of the military and the resilience of the nation.
The Pakistan Army’s dedication to this initiative is clear and unwavering. By continuously engaging its senior leadership— especially the Field Marshal and DG ISPR— and broadening its community-level programmes, the Army is playing a vital role in fostering a more informed, united, and resilient Pakistan. This strong commitment to bridging the gap between the military and the public reflects a deep understanding that true national strength rests not only on military power but on the enduring connection and shared purpose of its people.
While not formal civil engagement, the DG ISPR’s regular press briefings serve as a key platform to inform the public about military operations, security issues, and policy positions. During and following Operation Bunyan Marsoos, these sessions have played a crucial role in conveying an accurate and detailed account of the situation. The DG ISPR’s office actively leverages social media platforms to share information, highlight positive stories, and engage in real-time dialogue, reaching millions of digitally connected young Pakistanis.
In various cities across the country, senior Army officers visited key educational institutions, participating in special interactive sessions with teachers and students. These sessions were organized by the Corps Commanders of Mangla, Multan, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur.
During these visits, the Corps Commanders encouraged students to harness modern technology, and use social media positively. In Lahore, the Corps Commander referred to Operation Banyan Marsoos as a reflection of the nation’s unity, discipline, and faith. Calling students the “conscience of the nation” and future builders of the country, the Corps Commander in Karachi affirmed that Pakistan would never compromise on its security, dignity, or sovereignty, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in securing a prosperous future. In Quetta, the Corps Commander spoke at the Quetta College of Medical Sciences and Nursing Institute, where he spoke about Balochistan’s development and addressed students’ concerns and questions. Meanwhile, in Gujranwala, the Corps Commander conveyed messages of national unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility. In Bahawalpur, the Corps Commander delivered a special address on “Marka Haq” and national cohesion.
The Army’s broad civil engagement campaign has brought significant benefits. By actively involving diverse groups, the Army reinforces the concept that national security is a shared responsibility. Regular, transparent communication helps dispel myths about the military and counters negative stereotypes. When citizens perceive military leaders as accessible, knowledgeable, and genuinely concerned for their welfare, trust in the institution grows.
Engagement with youth serve as important tools to shield vulnerable populations from extremist ideologies. By emphasizing civic duties, national identity, and the destructive impact of terrorism, the Army offers a powerful counter-narrative. Clear statements from the Field Marshal linking terrorism to foreign adversaries further help unify public opinion against these threats.
The relationships and trust established through these civil engagements prove invaluable during natural disasters. Coordinated responses between military and civilian authorities, built on mutual understanding, lead to more effective and life-saving actions. The Army’s educational and vocational programmes directly contribute to developing the skills of Pakistani youth.
This ongoing initiative also highlights the military’s role within a democratic framework. By engaging with academic institutions and encouraging critical thinking, these efforts subtly promote principles of open discourse and civilian participation. Statements from military leaders emphasizing adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law, and stressing the importance of institutions operating within their prescribed roles, reinforce this broader democratic understanding.
The Pakistan Army’s dedication to this initiative is clear and unwavering. By continuously engaging its senior leadership— especially the Field Marshal and DG ISPR— and broadening its community-level programmes, the Army is playing a vital role in fostering a more informed, united, and resilient Pakistan. This strong commitment to bridging the gap between the military and the public reflects a deep understanding that true national strength rests not only on military power but on the enduring connection and shared purpose of its people.
