Tracking ‘Milbus’ The feudal and the general

Contrary to the impression created by the reaction of an obviously unnerved regime in Islamabad, independent military analyst Ayesha Siddiqa's recent book, Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan's military economy, does not contain startling revelations, libellous claims or outrageous assertions. In itself, it is not a sensational book, and does not give the impression of having been written with the intent of grabbing headlines. Rather, it is a painstakingly researched academic project, with a central theme couched in a theoretical framework. Nonetheless, the authorities tried strenuously to stop the volume from reaching the bookshelves – in the process, only succeeding in tripling sales.

Siddiqa's work includes a detailed historical analysis of the role of the military in Pakistan, and presents meticulously referenced data on what are essentially public institutions. Again out of line with the government's reaction, some of this material has already been published elsewhere. Much of the analysis includes arguments that have made regular appearance in the past, when Pakistani writers and journalists have reported on the 'perks and privileges' enjoyed by the country's military personnel. Siddiqa's conclusions are disquieting, but anybody who has had an interest in Pakistan's politics and economic history would have already come across similar hypotheses in the extensive literature on state-society relations in the country.