Protests are erupting in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, shining a harsh spotlight on deep-rooted corruption in the Pakistan Army. People there, fed up with years of graft, have hit the streets despite the army’s efforts to hush it up and shield its officials.
This isn’t just a PoK problem—corruption scandals stretch all the way to Balochistan, where similar unrest brews. Even with internet blackouts and phone services cut off, word of the PoK protests has spread globally. Police fired on demonstrators, killing at least two and injuring 22 others.
Sure, locals have long griped about poor development in the region, but Indian officials point out that everyday Pakistanis are especially outraged by the Pakistan Army’s blatant corruption. A big flashpoint? The shady “commission culture” in arms deals and infrastructure projects, where kickbacks flow freely.
For years, the army has quietly used retired officers to handle middlemen and pocket commissions, all out of public view. As Pakistan’s most powerful institution, the army calls the shots, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acting more like a figurehead. That setup makes it easier than ever for these rackets to thrive.
Take the 2015 Hangor-class submarine program, a massive $5 billion naval deal. Details remain murky—no updates for parliament or the public, fueling suspicions of insider deals.
Corruption doesn’t stop at defense. The army dives into real estate through the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), turning it into Pakistan’s top property developer. Worth millions, DHA enjoys special legal protections that dodge government checks, letting army bigwigs rake in profits unchecked. This has ticked off not just civilians but some ranks within the military too.
Indian sources say things hit a new low under Army Chief Asim Munir. A recent letter from a group calling itself the “Guardians of Honour” blasted him for incompetence, corruption, and meddling in politics. The trouble reportedly kicked off amid clashes with ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan and the court-martial of former ISI head Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed.
Munir has cracked down on internal pushback so far, but cracks are showing. Intelligence reports warn that the PoK and Balochistan protests could mark a tipping point for his leadership. There’s no end in sight to the demonstrations, and tensions might boil over further.
The army worries these issues—corruption, political meddling, and stalled development—could ignite major cities next. Expect a heavy-handed response with force, but leaders are watching recent upheavals in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka closely. In Balochistan, the army has already faced humiliating setbacks and heavy losses.
These signs point to the Pakistan Army’s influence fading fast. Tough challenges lie ahead as public anger builds.
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