Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan MCQs are crucial for CSS candidates studying for Pakistan Affairs, Political Science, and Governance. Civil-military relations in Pakistan have been the determining factor of its political stability, governance pattern, and balance of institutions. Pakistan has seen several military coups, direct takeovers, and a shifting power struggle between civilian governments and the military institution since independence. The role of the Pakistan Army, judiciary, and political leadership in shaping policy decisions, national security, and democratic transitions remains a crucial area of study. Understanding historical events, constitutional provisions, and governance challenges related to civil-military relations is vital for CSS candidates.
H2: Historical Context and Military Influence on Governance
Pakistan has witnessed three large-scale military coups (1958, 1977, and 1999), each profoundly changing its democratic environment. The Doctrine of Necessity, supported by the judiciary, frequently legitimized military rule, resulting in extended spells of martial law under Ayub Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf. The military dominated foreign policy, national security, and domestic decision-making, frequently eclipsing civilian dominance. Even in democratic governments, Pakistan’s military still controls defense, intelligence, and strategic policymaking, which renders civil-military relations a multifaceted and changing issue.
H3: Challenges and Future of Civil-Military Relations in Pakistan
The conflict of civilian dominance is an ongoing issue in Pakistan’s system of governance. Political instability, poor democratic institutions, and the interference of the judiciary have checked the institution of actual democratic governance. The interference of the military in economic ventures, foreign policy, and intelligence affairs is also a concern about institutional disequilibrium and democratic regression. Constitutional amendments, reforms in the judiciary, and growing political awareness ensure a healthy balance of the civil-military equation. Practice of MCQs and free flashcards on civil-military relations in Pakistan will assist CSS aspirants in examining trends from the past, policy implications, and issues of governance pertinent to civil-military relations and power balance of institutions.
Which institution in Pakistan has historically played a dominant role in governance?
A) Judiciary
B) Civil Bureaucracy
C) Military
D) Media
What is the main cause of military intervention in Pakistan’s politics?
A) Economic stability
B) Weak civilian institutions
C) Strong democratic traditions
D) High voter turnout
Who was the first military ruler of Pakistan?
A) Pervez Musharraf
B) Ayub Khan
C) Yahya Khan
D) Zia-ul-Haq
Which constitutional amendment attempted to restore civilian supremacy in Pakistan?
A) 8th Amendment
B) 18th Amendment
C) 21st Amendment
D) 25th Amendment
Which Pakistani military ruler introduced the Basic Democracies system?
A) Yahya Khan
B) Pervez Musharraf
C) Zia-ul-Haq
D) Ayub Khan
Which event led to the resignation of General Pervez Musharraf as President?
A) 9/11 Attacks
B) Lawyers’ Movement
C) 2002 Referendum
D) Kargil Conflict
Which military coup resulted in the imposition of martial law in 1977?
A) Ayub Khan’s coup
B) Yahya Khan’s takeover
C) Zia-ul-Haq’s coup
D) Musharraf’s coup
Which political leader was overthrown in the 1999 military coup?
A) Benazir Bhutto
B) Nawaz Sharif
C) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
D) Asif Ali Zardari
Which doctrine is often used to justify military intervention in Pakistan?
A) Doctrine of Necessity
B) Monroe Doctrine
C) Truman Doctrine
D) Bush Doctrine
Which body plays a key role in national security decision-making in Pakistan?
A) National Assembly
B) Senate
C) National Security Committee (NSC)
D) Election Commission
Which military ruler introduced the Hudood Ordinances in Pakistan?
A) Ayub Khan
B) Yahya Khan
C) Zia-ul-Haq
D) Pervez Musharraf
What is the primary function of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in Pakistan?
A) Political advocacy
B) Media and public relations for the military
C) Law enforcement
D) Economic policy-making
Which constitutional article restricts the military from engaging in politics?
A) Article 245
B) Article 6
C) Article 19
D) Article 25
Which political leader was executed following a military-led trial in 1979?
A) Benazir Bhutto
B) Nawaz Sharif
C) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
D) Asif Ali Zardari
Which democratic government completed its full term for the first time in Pakistan’s history?
A) PPP (2008-2013)
B) PML-N (1997-1999)
C) PPP (1971-1977)
D) PML-Q (2002-2007)
Which event marked the beginning of military rule in Pakistan in 1958?
A) Constitution of 1973
B) Martial Law by Ayub Khan
C) Creation of ISI
D) Formation of National Security Council
Who served as Pakistan’s first civilian Chief of Army Staff (COAS)?
A) Ayub Khan
B) Yahya Khan
C) General Waheed Kakar
D) General Qamar Javed Bajwa
Which law was introduced by General Musharraf to strengthen presidential powers?
A) Legal Framework Order (LFO) 2002
B) Protection of Pakistan Act
C) National Reconciliation Ordinance
D) Anti-Terrorism Act
Which military operation was launched against extremists in Swat in 2009?
A) Operation Gibraltar
B) Operation Black Thunderstorm
C) Operation Rah-e-Nijat
D) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Which Pakistani intelligence agency plays a significant role in civil-military affairs?
A) FIA
B) ISI
C) NAB
D) PTA
Who was the Prime Minister of Pakistan at the time of the 1965 war?
A) Ayub Khan
B) Zulfikar Ali Bhutto
C) Liaquat Ali Khan
D) Nawaz Sharif
Which civilian-led commission investigates military interventions in Pakistan?
A) National Security Council
B) Abbottabad Commission
C) Hamoodur Rahman Commission
D) Public Accounts Committee
Which event led to the separation of East Pakistan in 1971?
A) Kargil Conflict
B) Bangladesh Liberation War
C) Afghan War
D) Operation Zarb-e-Azb
Which Pakistani military ruler resigned in 2008?
A) Ayub Khan
B) Zia-ul-Haq
C) Pervez Musharraf
D) Yahya Khan
Which military ruler was in power during the 1998 nuclear tests?
A) Ayub Khan
B) Pervez Musharraf
C) Zia-ul-Haq
D) None, as a civilian government was in power
Which initiative is meant to strengthen democratic institutions in Pakistan?
A) National Reconciliation Ordinance
B) Charter of Democracy
C) Hudood Ordinances
D) Kargil Agreement
Which political leader played a key role in restoring civilian governance after military rule in 2008?
A) Nawaz Sharif
B) Benazir Bhutto
C) Asif Ali Zardari
D) Imran Khan
What is the most significant challenge to civil-military relations in Pakistan?
A) Media censorship
B) Economic growth
C) Military influence in politics
D) High voter turnout
