Lt Gen Muhammad Ali Appointed Defence Secretary of Pakistan

On Friday, the government of Pakistan made a significant announcement by appointing Lt Gen Muhammad Ali as the new defence secretary. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to ensure effective management of the country’s defence policies and military operations. Lt Gen Ali will officially assume his role as the 33rd defence secretary of Pakistan starting from October 1, 2023.

Currently serving as the Quarter Master General at the General Headquarters, Lt Gen Ali is nearing the end of his active military service. He is set to retire in the coming days but will be re-employed on a contract basis for a period of two years and three months, extending until December 31, 2026. This arrangement is not uncommon, as many defence secretaries in Pakistan have been appointed from among recently retired military officials, particularly those who have served under the current army chief.

Before this new appointment, Lt Gen Ali held the position of commander of the Army Strategic Forces Command after being promoted to a three-star general in November 2020. His extensive experience in various military roles positions him well to navigate the complexities of Pakistan's defence landscape.

Since August 24, 2024, the role of acting defence secretary has been filled by Maj Gen Amer Ashfaq Kayani, following the departure of Lt Gen (retd) Hamooduz Zaman Khan, who completed his contract. The defence ministry, while formally responsible for overseeing defence policy and managing the armed forces, often finds itself functioning more as a facilitator between the civilian government and the military. This dynamic has led to a perception that the ministry operates primarily as a conduit for communication rather than a decision-making body.

In practice, the Pakistan Army tends to operate independently, often bypassing the defence ministry when it comes to crucial strategic decisions. This situation highlights the historical dominance of the military in Pakistan's governance, particularly regarding national security and foreign policy execution. The appointment of a defence secretary, typically a recently retired lieutenant general, underscores this imbalance of power.

As Pakistan continues to navigate its complex security environment, the role of the defence secretary will be critical. Lt Gen Ali's appointment may bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the table, but it also raises questions about the ongoing influence of the military in civilian governance. The effectiveness of his tenure will ultimately depend on how well he can balance the interests of the military with the needs of the civilian government, ensuring that Pakistan's defence policies are both robust and responsive to the challenges ahead.