The armed forces of Pakistan are an integral part of the country's economy, providing jobs and helping to prevent recessions. Each year, the three forces recruit nationwide through merit-based selection processes in major cities. The armed forces produce professionals through lifelong training and education programs. While some criticize increasing defense spending, the armed forces serve important domestic roles in disaster relief and peacekeeping missions abroad.

1. Armed forces of Pakistan are an integral part of Pakistani economy. These offer jobs to Pakistani youth and serve as
cushion to avoid recession. In Pakistan, military service is not essential or compulsory for every undergraduate or
graduate. Every year three forces advertise for recruitment countrywide for different cadres. Selection on merit is
done by inter services selection boards in different major cities like Karachi, Kohat and Gujranwala. Young men join
forces at their own will whereas women love to join armed forces to make career. Foreigners also get training and
education besides joint warfare exercises. There are three types of officers; commissioned, junior commissioned
and non- commissioned. It is a misconception that selection and promotion in armed forces are done on nepotism
instead of skill-based merit and performance. Armed forces produce professionals by lifelong training at score of
schools and institutions countrywide. Cadet colleges and defense universities also offer admission to students.
Government is aware of role of dynamic 600K+ personnel thus it has been increasing defense budget.
Current annual budget is just 8.3 billion dollars. There is strict audit system for expenditures. One must remember
that armed forces of Pakistan are peaceful and these do not have aggressive attitude towards neighborly countries.
Armed forces have been participating in UN peacekeeping missions worldwide. Every citizen has a blood relative in
the armed forces thus be it flood, earthquake, elections or terrorism activity, armed forces have been helping the
civil compatriots. Armed forces take great care of families of injured on duty, deceased, discharged at will and
retired officers and soldiers. One finds better climate and health conditions in 56 cantonments. Some short sighted
political analysts, journalists and economists are against sustained growth of defense sector. Mostly defense
organizations keep quality standards like ISO-9000. Introduction of Sports Corps will make armed forces of Pakistan
a role model for the world.
Backbone of Pakistani Economy
Sajid Imtiaz: Associate Creative Director Adage