“Expect the best but prepare for the worst,” is a motto that militaries around the world would do well to live by. While the Pakistani army practices restraint and has reflected a commitment to peace as the first step in any conflict, it still carries out extensive training, development of armoury, and strengthening its defence to ensure that Pakistan is prepared to deal with whatever crisis falls upon it, from whichever end.
Currently, Pakistan is conducting a multinational naval exercise, Aman-2021, to begin with in the Arabian Sea, attended by 45 countries. It is an opportunity for Pakistan to strengthen its navy to protect its maritime borders. At the same time, the Pakistan Army is holding a month-long exercise in the Thar Desert, located in the Sindh province, to prepare for conflict in extreme desert environments. The ongoing exercise, called the “Jidar-ul-Hadeed” is a four-week long defensive manoeuvre initiative aimed at perfecting the concept of defence in deserts. The troops have been encouraged during their training by the visit of the COAS, who dropped by in Thar Desert near Chhor, where he witnessed the integrated manoeuvres of infantry and mechanised forces in a defensive role.
Pakistan’s terrain makes it unique—the country’s desert-prone provinces like Sindh and Balochistan have been particularly vulnerable to attack due to sparse population, rough terrain and volatile borders. Investment in battle-hardened training is a security necessity—especially with the recent string of suspicious foreign attacks in the Balochistan-Sindh area.
The COAS said it best on his visit: “Vigorous training and highest standard of preparedness in peacetime were the only guarantors of peace.” These extensive trainings and showcasing of strength are not aggressive gestures, but rather a step towards peace. History has shown that sending the message that Pakistan is strong and capable has led to less conflict and more military deterrence. Military diplomacy is effective and can be made stronger with better equipment and training.