The Pakistani army has ruled Pakistan almost throughout its creation in 1947, either directly when there was martial law, or covertly under the figleaf of a civilian government ( as today ).
Why is it that the Pakistan army does not withdraw from politics, and confines itself to the traditional role of militaries worldwide, i.e. defending the country’s borders, and helping the civilian government in time of civil disturbance ?
To answer this question one has to delve into Pakistani history.
Pakistan was created as an Islamic state in 1947. It was thought by its creators that what would keep it together was Islam.
However, this proved to be an illusion.There were such tremendous differences in Pakistani society, between the Bengali East and those who lived in the West, between Sunni and Shia, Deobandi and Barelvi, Wahabi and Sufi, between Punjabis who being over 60% of the population soon became the dominant group, and the non-Punjabis who often felt suppressed , that the glue of Islam which was supposed to keep the country together, soon proved woefully inadequate.
It was at this stage that the Pakistan military ( particularly the army ) came forward, and claimed that it alone was that glue by which Pakistan could survive in one piece. Remove that glue, and Pakistan will break into a hundred pieces ( or be devoured by its mortal foe, India )..
Thus the army proclaimed itself to be the real saviour of Pakistan.
However, the saviour said that since it was performing such a sacred function, it must be adequately financially rewarded by the nation..
Ever since Gen Ayub Khan staged a coup in 1958, the army which directly ruled Pakistan for 30 years, and indirectly (under cover of a civilian leadership) for the remaining period, steadily spread its tentacles into almost every sector of the country’s economy — industry, agriculture and services. The military ruthlessly milked Pakistan’s economy, benefiting military personnel (particularly the senior officers) most of whom became multi millionaires, and some even billionaires.
As pointed out by Eliot Wilson in his article ‘The military millionaires who control Pak Inc’ published in The Spectator, and by Ayesha Siddiqa in her widely acclaimed book Military Inc: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy (she has also spoken about this in her video interview on YouTube), Pakistan’s economy is dominated by the military, which owns everything from fertilizer factories, bakeries, petrol pumps, banks, cement, hosiery factories, milk dairies, stud farms, golf courses, etc. Hundreds of commercial entities, worth over $20 billion, are owned and run by the military, which is allotted over 25 per cent of the national budget.
The jewel in the military’s crown is the real estate sector. Ever since Gen Ayub Khan started the practice of allotting large tracts of prime land to military officers, the phenomenon has multiplied exponentially. Over 14 per cent of Pakistan’s land is owned by the military, mostly prime land in fertile Punjab and Sindh, which is in the hands of senior officers, serving and retired. Some very senior retired Generals are reportedly worth $3.5 billion. There are several housing societies whose land was given to military officers at highly subsidised rates. On retirement, a major general (who usually owns a Mercedes car) is expected to receive a present of 240 acres of farmland worth £550,000 ($673,411) as well as a residential plot worth £700,000 ($857,069).
Many of Pakistan’s largest corporates are controlled by the military by opaque trusts. For example, the Fauji Foundation and Army Welfare Trust, the Shaheen Foundation (for the Air Force) and Bahria Foundation (for the Navy), which have penetrated into all sectors of Pakistan’s economy, and own and run hundreds of commercial enterprises — producing everything from cement, bakeries, fertilisers and cereal to running golf courses and stud farms. Thus, the Army Welfare Trust runs the Askari Commercial Bank (Pakistan’s largest lender), an airline, a travel agency, petrol pumps, and more.
The Pakistan military is loath to disclose these details, and even asking questions about them is dangerous and taboo in Pakistan. A political leader who tries to curb this gargantuan scandal is soon ousted from power, for example, Bhutto (who was hanged) and Nawaz Sharif (who was jailed ). Journalists who investigate or raise these questions are often bumped off by the ISI — like Syed Saleem Shahzad, who investigated the link between the Navy and Al-Qaeda. Zahid Husain, who wrote an article in Newsweek documenting the military corporate and real estate empire that gave the senior officers enormous wealth, and lately, Arshad Sharif, who was mysteriously killed in Kenya. The senior lady lawyer who raised these questions, Asma Jahangir, was imprisoned and her family business targeted. Ayesha Siddiqa is surviving as she lives and works in London
The civilian state institutions like Parliament, the Ministers, and the judiciary dare not question the military about this financial angle.
As is evident from the above discussion, the Pakistan army (particularly its senior officers ) has acquired enormous wealth. It will naturally not wish to part with this.
But it has a problem. The army no doubt has the gun, and so most people are scared of it. But, it knows it cannot rule by force alone. The people of Pakistan are mostly terribly impoverished, and the time may come when there may be a popular uprising against the army’s loot. So, the army has to have an enemy, towards which it can divert the people’s anger. This enemy is India. The Pakistan army portrays itself as the sole bulwark and sole saviour of the Islamic Republic against this enemy, and so it claims special rewards in the form of privileges and perks for doing its ‘patriotic duty’.
From all that has been said above, it is evident that the Pakistan military for long has been having a merry feast, and like a tiger that has tasted blood, would naturally not like to be deprived of it. Even when the country is having economic difficulties, the military will not give up its benefits and amenities.
If the Pakistan army effectively renounces politics, and subordinates itself to a civilian government, it will have to give up its economic vested interests ( mentioned above ), which it will be very reluctant to do. As was said by someone about the Roman Catholic Church ” It will readily give up 35 of its 36 principles, but fight tooth and nail before it gives up one-thirty sixth of its property ”.
Also, it may be called on by its civilian masters to render accounts of its huge loot, something which it will undoubtedly find very unpalatable.
For these reasons, and realising that it has the gun, and power grows from its barrel ( as the aphorism goes ), the Pakistan military will never really renounce politics. It has become a Vampire, which needs to drink the blood of the Pakistani people constantly for its survival.
It is high time now that the mask of belonging to an an honourable profession be torn off from the faces of these looters and murderers, and they be exposed in their true colours as rapacious gangsters, who far from serving their country, only serve themselves, and survive by drinking the people’s blood, like vampires.
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Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) Overview
Post-cycle therapy is a recovery strategy used in cycling training plans to optimize performance and
prevent overtraining injuries. After periods of high-intensity training,
PCT reduces workout volume and intensity to allow
the body to adapt and rebuild. This approach enhances endurance performance and promotes long-term athletic development.
By incorporating PCT phases, athletes can maintain peak performance while minimizing injury risk.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) 101: The Bodybuilder’s Guide
Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) is a critical phase for
bodybuilders who have finished a steroid cycle. It helps restore your natural hormone production and ensures your body
returns to its pre-cycle state. Without PCT, you risk
long-term hormonal imbalances and potential health issues.
This article will guide you through the essentials of PCT, including common medications, protocols, and best practices for a successful recovery.
The Importance of PCT
PCT is essential for bodybuilders who have used anabolic steroids or
SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators).
It prevents side effects like gynecomastia (male breast tissue),
water retention, and hormonal imbalances. By supporting your endocrine system, PCT ensures
your body恢复 to its natural hormone production and maintains optimal health.
SERMs for PCT
SERMs (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators) are the cornerstone of PCT regimens.
They work by blocking estrogen receptors, preventing estrogen dominance and promoting the recovery of your hypothalamic-pituitary-adenyl axis
(HPA). Below are some common SERMs used in PCT:
Clomid (Clomiphene Citrate)
Clomid is one of the most widely used medications for PCT.
It stimulates the release of LH and FSH, promoting testicular recovery and natural testosterone production.
Nolvadex (Tamoxifen Citrate)
Nolvadex is another popular SERM used in PCT. It works by blocking estrogen receptors, helping to reduce gynecomastia and
water retention.
Raloxifene (Evista)
Raloxifene is sometimes included in PCT protocols for its anti-estrogenic effects and
ability to support bone health and cholesterol levels.
Toremifene (Fareston Citrate)
Toremifene is similar to Clomid but with a shorter half-life.
It’s often used in shorter PCT cycles or as part of a combination protocol.
Enclomiphene (Androxal)
Enclomiphene is an enantiomer of Clomiphene and works similarly by
stimulating LH and FSH release, making it a good option for
testicular recovery.
Aromatase Inhibitors for PCT
Aromatase inhibitors (ARIs) like Anastrozole, Exemestane, and Letrozole are sometimes used in combination with SERMs.
They block the conversion of androgens to estrogens, further
reducing estrogen levels.
Arimidex (Anastrozole)
Arimidex is a powerful ARI that’s often used in PCT
for its strong anti-estrogenic effects.
Aromasin (Exemestane)
Aromasin is another ARI that works by preventing the conversion of androgens to estrogens, helping to maintain hormonal
balance.
Letrozole (Femara)
Letrozole is a third-generation ARI with strong efficacy in reducing estrogen levels during PCT.
Arimistane (ATD)
Arimistane is sometimes used in combination with other medications for its dual action as both an ARI and a SERM.
HCG for PCT
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is often included in advanced PCT protocols.
It stimulates the release of LH and FSH, which can aid in testicular recovery and fat loss.
Dopamine Agonists for PCT
Dopamine agonists like Cabergoline and Pramipexole are sometimes used to help regulate hormones during PCT.
They work by influencing the release of dopamine, which can aid
in hormonal recovery.
Cabergoline (Caber)
Cabergoline is a dopamine agonist that’s sometimes used in combination with other medications
for its unique effects on hormone regulation.
Pramipexole (Prami)
Pramipexole is another dopamine agonist that’s been shown to
assist in hormonal recovery and fat loss during PCT.
Vitamin B6 (P-5-P)
Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in managing estrogen levels during PCT.
It helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, reducing the risk of side effects.
Alpha-Reductase Inhibitors for PCT
Alpha-reductase inhibitors like Finasteride and Dutasteride
are sometimes used in PCT to manage androgenic side effects.
They work by inhibiting the conversion of DHT to
dihydrotestosterone (DHT), reducing the risk of hair loss
and other androgenic effects.
Finasteride (Propecia)
Finasteride is a well-known alpha-reductase inhibitor that’s often used in PCT for its ability
to reduce DHT levels.
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Dutasteride is another alpha-reductase inhibitor with strong efficacy
in reducing DHT levels, making it a popular choice for managing
androgenic side effects.
On-Cycle Therapy
While PCT occurs after a steroid cycle, On-Cycle Therapy (OCT) can be used
during the cycle to prevent negative side effects.
OCT involves using medications like SERMs or ARIs during the active phase of the cycle, which can help
maintain hormonal balance and improve performance.
Anti-Estrogenic Ancillaries
These medications are used in conjunction with PCT to block estrogen receptors and prevent side effects.
Common examples include anti-estrogens like Anastrozole and Exemestane.
Gynecomastia
Gynecomastia is a common side effect of steroid use that can be managed with medications like Nolvadex or Arimidex.
Water Retention
Excessive water retention can cause bloating and discomfort.
SERMs like Spironolactone are sometimes used to manage this issue during PCT.
Acne (Estrogenic)
Estrogenic acne is a common side effect that can be treated with medications like Retinol
or Salicylic acid, often in conjunction with anti-estrogens.
Sexual Dysfunction
Hormonal imbalances during PCT can lead to sexual dysfunction. Testosterone supplements or other
medications may be necessary in some cases.
Anti-Androgenic Ancillaries
These medications work against androgens, helping to
reduce androgenic side effects like hair loss and acne.
Finasteride and Dutasteride are common examples.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common concern for bodybuilders during PCT.
Alpha-reductase inhibitors like Finasteride can help manage this issue.
Acne (Androgenic)
Androgenic acne can occur when anabolic steroids or SARMs
are used in excess. Proper skin care and medications like Retinol can help manage this side effect.
Prostate Growth (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)
Excessive testosterone levels can lead to enlarged prostates, which can be managed with alpha-reductase inhibitors during PCT.
Anti-Progestogenic Ancillaries
These medications prevent the effects of progesterone, helping
to manage side effects like gynecomastia and lactation.
Nolvadex is often used for this purpose.
Gynecomastia and Lactation
Gynecomastia is a common side effect that can be managed with SERMs
or anti-progestogenic medications. Lactation, while rare in males, can occur due
to hormonal imbalances and should be monitored.
Erectile Dysfunction
Hormonal changes during PCT can lead to erectile dysfunction. Testosterone supplements or other
treatments may be necessary to address this issue.
Transitioning to PCT
The timing of PCT is crucial for optimal results. Most bodybuilders start PCT 2-4 weeks after their steroid cycle ends, allowing enough time
for natural hormone production to resume.
PCT Protocols for Steroid Users
PCT protocols vary depending on the steroids used
and the duration of the cycle. Basic protocols often include Clomid and Nolvadex at specific dosages,
while advanced protocols may include HCG and other medications.
Clomid and Nolvadex for PCT
These two medications are the backbone of most PCT regimens.
Clomid is often used first to stimulate LH and FSH release,
followed by Nolvadex to manage estrogen levels and reduce side effects.
PCT Length
The length of a PCT typically ranges from 4-6 weeks for
mild cycles to 8-12 weeks for more intense steroid regimens.
Longer cycles may be necessary in some cases, depending on the user’s history and goals.
PCT Dosage
Dosages vary widely depending on the medication used and the individual’s needs.
It’s important to follow a well-planned protocol under medical
supervision to avoid complications.
PCT Protocols for SARM Users
SARMs are synthetic hormones that can suppress your body’s natural hormone production, so PCT is equally important after using
SARMs. The duration and intensity of the SARM cycle will determine
the length and components of your PCT.
Mildly Suppressive SARM Cycles
For mild SARM cycles, a shorter PCT protocol (4-6 weeks) may be sufficient to
restore natural hormone production.
Moderately Suppressive SARM Cycles
Moderately suppressive SARM cycles may require a mid-length PCT (6-8 weeks), using medications like Clomid and Nolvadex.
Highly Suppressive SARM Cycles
For highly suppressive SARM cycles, longer PCT protocols (8-12
weeks) are often necessary to ensure full recovery of your
endocrine system.
Is HCG Necessary?
HCG is optional for many users but can be beneficial in certain situations, such
as promoting fat loss or aiding in testicular recovery. It’s often used in combination with Clomid
and Nolvadex.
FAQs
What are the main benefits of PCT?
PCT restores natural hormone production, prevents side effects like
gynecomastia and water retention, and supports overall health and performance.
When should I start PCT?
You should start PCT 2-4 weeks after your steroid cycle ends to
allow time for natural hormones to begin恢复.
What happens if I don’t do PCT?
Not doing PCT can lead to long-term hormonal imbalances, increased risk of side effects, and poor health outcomes.
It’s crucial for maintaining your body’s health and performance.
How long is a PCT cycle?
PCT cycle length varies from 4-12 weeks depending on the user’s needs and
the intensity of their steroid or SARM cycle.
SARMs vs. SERMs: What’s the difference?
SERMs like Clomid and Nolvadex directly target estrogen receptors to manage
side effects, while SARMs suppress hormone production. Both require PCT after use.
Clomid or Nolvadex for PCT? Or both?
Both medications are often used together in a standard PCT
protocol. Clomid is typically used first to stimulate LH and FSH,
followed by Nolvadex to manage estrogen levels.
Do I need a PCT after using SARMs?
Yes, you do need PCT after using SARMs, as they suppress your body’s natural hormone production. The duration and intensity of your SARM cycle will determine the length and components of your
PCT.
What does “Anti-E” mean?
“Anti-E” refers to anti-estrogenic medications that are used during PCT to manage estrogen-related side effects.
These medications include Nolvadex and Arimidex.
Final Thoughts on PCT
PCT is a critical part of any steroid or SARM cycle, ensuring that your body恢复 to its natural state
and reducing the risk of long-term health complications.
Always follow a well-planned protocol under medical supervision to maximize results and minimize side effects.
Who Am I?
You are someone who is committed to their fitness journey, taking the necessary steps to achieve their goals while prioritizing their health and well-being.
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