what was the role of the army in pakistani politics during bhutto's time?

 During Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's time as Prime Minister of Pakistan, the army played a significant role in the country's politics. Bhutto's relationship with the military was complex, involving both cooperation and competition.

Bhutto needed the support of the military, a significant power center in Pakistan, to maintain stability and control. He was dealing with significant internal and external threats, including political opposition and conflict with India, and the military's involvement was seen as necessary to manage these threats

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.Bhutto also took steps to reduce the military's influence in politics. He raised the Federal Security Forces (FSF) as a potential rival to the army in internal affairs, aiming to lessen the government's dependence on the military. However, these efforts were met with resistance and contributed to tensions between Bhutto and the military

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.Bhutto's relationship with the military was not without conflict. His efforts to control the military and reduce its influence in politics were met with resistance, contributing to tensions that eventually led to his ousting in a military coup led by General Zia-ul-Haq

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.In summary, the army played a significant role in Pakistani politics during Bhutto's time. While Bhutto sought to reduce the military's influence, he also relied on it for stability and control. This complex relationship reflects the challenges Bhutto faced in balancing the need for stability and control with the desire to reduce military influence in politics.