On the Global Firepower Index 2021, the Pakistan Army was placed 10th out of 133 nations as the most powerful army in the world. The fundamental goal and constitutional mandate of the Pakistan Army are to protect Pakistan’s national security and unity by defending it against any type of external aggression or war danger. The Pakistani federal government can also use it to respond to domestic threats within its boundaries. It undertakes domestic humanitarian rescue activities in times of tragedies and emergencies on a national and worldwide scale.
The Pakistan Army is best equipped to handle relief efforts on the magnitude required by the latest calamity as it is the nation’s most effective and resourceful institution. In Pakistan, this is the only institution that is organized and adequately resourced to assist in response to a catastrophe of this magnitude.
Pakistan is susceptible to a wide range of man-made hazards in addition to almost all-natural calamities. Army personnel in particular used to be called upon to lead relief and rescue efforts in the case of a disaster. When faced with disasters, Pakistan has always used an emergency response strategy. The governance function of disaster management entails mitigation, readiness, response, and rehabilitation. The Pakistan Army has extensive expertise in executing relief operations in practically all forms of calamities. Additionally, it possesses specialized knowledge in managing technological risks like chemical, biological, and radioactive calamities.
Without the military exercising strategic control over the state’s infrastructure, it is difficult to envisage Pakistan’s functioning. The military’s assistance in rescue and relief efforts has greatly reduced the strain on the civilian administration and bureaucracy. Additionally, it has a huge potential to function as a further tool for the efficient distribution of emergency aid because it is an army organization. A country’s army is a reliable institution for coordinating and responding quickly to any catastrophic event.
Pakistan army is also a part of Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority. According to the NDMA’s National Disaster Response Plan 2010, the Pakistan Army has played a significant part in emergency operations and supplied immediate help by employing its air and ground efforts.
An example of the Pakistani Army’s response to domestic disasters is the extensive rescue and relief operations launched in the regions affected by recent flash floods and heavy rains. These areas included numerous districts in Balochistan, Sindh, South Punjab, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. The army of Pakistan not only guards the country from external threats, but also from domestic dangers and calamities. It is accurate to claim that it is essential to the success and well-being of the state.
