Role of Army in Shaping the Power Politics of Pakistan from 1947 to 1958

Abstract

This article offers a detailed examination of the changing power dynamics and institutional development in Pakistan during the formative years following independence. With a focus on the role of the army, the study explores how power was structured, contested and institutionalized within the Pakistani state apparatus from 1947 to 1958. Drawing on historical analysis, the article traces the complex interaction between political elites, state institutions and the military establishment. It studies the influence of colonial legacies, such as that of the British Raj's administrative structures and military traditions. functioning of the Pakistani army Through a case study approach, the article examines the events, policies and key actors that shaped the power dynamics within the army and its relations with civilian authorities during. of this critical period. By analyzing the role of the military in state-building, governance and national security, the study sheds light on the broader processes of institutionalization and consolidation of power during Pakistan's early years. Ultimately, the article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of power dynamics and institutional development in post-independence Pakistan, with implications for the country's political trajectory and civil-military relations.