Since 1957, the armed forces have taken control from the civilian government in various military coups—ostensibly to restore order in the country, citing corruption and gross inefficiency on the part of the civilian leadership. While many Pakistanis have supported these seizures of power, others have claimed that the rampant political instability, lawlessness and corruption in Pakistan are the direct consequence of consistent military rule. The budget allocation for the Pakistan Armed Forces at over 20% of the annual budget of Pakistan has been criticized by Pakistani lawmakers for various reasons such as the state of poverty in the country, high level of illiteracy, and malnutrition. Pakistani lawmakers and public policy advocates have also been stopped and warned by the intelligence agencies from criticizing the Pakistani military, specifically the department of army. Elected officials and the lawmakers have been forced to come under military rule for over 30 years of Pakistan's existence.