There are only a few countries in the world whose armies do business alongside defense, but Pakistan is likely to have a prominent position. After the forces opened fire on a public gathering in Islamabad on the night of October 26, some forces have started a boycott of military products in Pakistan includes food and non-food products of the Pakistan Army. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has expressed its indifference to this social media campaign, but it is a fact that a large number of PTI supporters are actively participating in the boycott of military products campaign. During the hearing of the Karachi unrest case in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Chief Justice Gulzar Ahmed angrily remarked that Pakistan is the only country where the army does business. The business network of the Pakistani army is unique and widespread across the world. It began in the 1950s, when commercial activities were started for the welfare of retired soldiers. Over time, this business has become an important part of the country’s economy. The commercial projects of the Pakistani army are mostly the Military Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, and Army Welfare. They operate under institutions such as trusts.
Real estate is the largest business sector of the Pakistani army, DHA (Defense Housing Authority) has residential and commercial schemes in major cities of Pakistan and other housing projects in different cities, Fauji Cement plays a major role in the country’s cement production, Fauji Fertilizer meets 40% of the fertilizer requirement of Pakistan, Fauji Foods produces milk, beverages, and other food products, National Logistics Cell is a major transport and logistics organization that plays an important role in ports and air transport services, the army’s business network is worth billions of rupees and provides employment to millions of people, this business network is a strong source of financial support for retired and serving officers of the army, but along with this, voices are also raised for transparency and accountability. Sources close to the Pakistani army say that this boycott will have a very minor impact, however, this style of hatred for the army is not beneficial for the country and the state. Sources close to the army further say that after the fall of the Imran Khan government, the campaign against the Pakistani army It began when Imran Khan started calling the former army chief and ISI chief Mir Jafar and Mir Qasim in a crowded rally, which gave his supporters the opportunity to criticize the Pakistani military.