Pakistan: Between Military and Militants

It is often suggested that the Pakistan military still retains links to the Taliban in Afghanistan and sympathy with religious extremists. Senior western leaders constantly encourage a tougher line. But although ties have not been cut, economic incentives ensure military loyalty to the Islamabad government. The real question is whether those in command are able to think through the dangerous long-term implications for their country.

The World Today Published 1 April 2007 Updated 15 October 2020 5 minute READ

Dr Ayesha Siddiqa

Senior fellow, Department of War Studies, King's College London, King's College London; Author of Militants Inc. Inside Pakistan's Military Economy, Pluto Press

Access the archive

The current issue is open access with previous editions reserved for our members and magazine subscribers.