Army-Government Confrontation
Posted by anas on Dec 16, 2008 in Pakistan | 15 commentsThe armed forces of Pakistan and the democratic government spearheaded by Zardari may be on the same ground visibly but their actions reflect a completely contrasting and horrifying picture. With the international pressure mounting and extreme threats on most of Pakistan’s border, the need of the hour is a show of unity. Instead the differences are now out, open in air. Gilani and Kiyani may have repeatedly said that there are to differences, but the facts that I pen below proves just the opposite.
When the government took over and made an attempt to bring the ISI under interior ministry, the army used its iron hand to force the government to withdraw. Later came the lame excuses from the government. This was an extreme example of an attempt to gain the high ground by the government which failed.
When President Zardari rescinded his promise of first official visit to China and instead preferred a pilgrimage to the White House, the COAS (Kiyani) flew to China on the same day that Zardari went to USA and also stayed for an exactly same number of days (maybe one less, I can’t remember exactly now). This showed where the government’s inclination was in the developemnt of foreign policy while the army preferred an opposite track.
The defense minister claimed that Pakistan was incapable of hitting down the US drones. Immediately came out the Chief of Air Staff with an in-your-face response that the PAF is fully capable and waiting for a green signal from the government. Again, both parties were at odds.
President Zardari promised never to use the nukes first (changing the policy which the former President framed when he said that the nukes were not made to be shelved). This provoked a reaction not only from the establishment but also the nuclear scientist Dr. Samar Mubarakmand voiced his dissent against this policy. Not surprisingly, the army never agreed and this message was also forwarded to the presidency.
Immediately after the Mumbai attacks PM Gilani acceded to send the ISI chief to India. He was forced on the back foot, bringing shame to Pakistan, only to realize later what he had done (this couldn’t be unintentional). Later, the government tried to save face by claiming that any director-level rep of ISI would be sent and there was some lack of communication. Again, the ISI/army refused.
And now when the IAF jets violated Pakistani airspace, the PAF reacted strongly while the government seems apologetic saying it was an honest mistake. Who are they actually representing? Which side are they on?
It is this internal conflict that makes the enemies brave enough to attack a country. In this in-fight is suffering the sovereignity of Pakistan. If a choice has to be made between the current government and the army, even the harshest critics of army will be forced to reconsider.
Pakistan Zindabad!
Good analysis… But whatever petty excuses the current government comes up with, you don’t really think a military solution is better right?
But there are, I agree, deep differences between Kiyani’s men and Zardari’s men…
It’s a shame really.. because together, they do have the power to take concrete steps against any accusation against us…
Instead, as Shaikh Rasheed put it, even the banning of Jamat ud Dawah came about after OUR consent..:S Warna , he said, no organization can ban another country’s organization, on its own…
Sigh.
Well, the UN can technically ban them without our consent but they needed China’s consent which they got (surprisingly!), and we didn’t even persuade China. But it wasn’t necessary for us to act on UN actions because the credibility of UN is nil. They approved the war in Iraq against WMDs which were never found and millions died.
They have also banned some other trusts, which any Pakistani can testify were so beneficial for the common people for providing welfare services.
BTW, I will support military rule any day if I have to chose between Zardari/Sharif and military.
And we were discussing this ‘distance’ issue yesterday.. true.. and a good compilation of the various events that have occurred and the armed forces have given an ‘in-your-face’ response to the PP government. (I’ve dropped a P here) =P
I’m waiting for a coup, Anas. Can feel it coming. What’s your say?
Thing is that even if there is a coup, a military rule for 7-8 years and then back here then there is no point. There needs to be a permanent solution. These politicians need to punished, once and for all. What scares me that our internal situation is very fragile at the moment and a coup may contribute to further destabilization which will require a hard action from the army and some tough rule. Its very complicated at the moment.
Exactly. This is not 1999. You cannot have a coup right now and expect it to be so bloodless and have no effect on the country’s stability. Our civilian leaders, time and again, have failed to deliver. If only they can get it in their heads to accurately represent the public sentiment, there shouldn’t be no problem (at least on the international front).
Bloody coup and iron hands seem to be the only solution to me!
@SAWJ: Repercussions can be dangerous at a time when external threat is rife.
Politics in Pakistan is like…. umm… I don’t know what… LOL???…. anyways I am no longer interested in this county’s politics… I didn’t even read this stuff… man… what am I doing here anyways… may be I was expecting some post on my new role model…”THE IRAQI SHOW THROWER”…
No offence SAWJ, but you’re crazy!
good post…i think i missed this one earlier.
anyway, i kinda agree with SAWJ. we dont deserve democracy….in fact wat sort of a democratic government can u expect wen u have leaders like zardari and awam which is 70% illiterate.
@Talha: Always keep a track man! And never lose hope
@KW: When did awam become 30% literate????!!! The thing is that right now the situation is very complex, any internal instability is dangerous whichever way it is brought about. An army rule is not a long term solution if we know we have to return to these politicians again. There needs to be a change in system of governance and election of leader.
There needs to be an awam change!
ummmm….well officially its 48% literate
yea change the awam!
48% after Mushy boy!
Warna we were sitting around 30%.
Army will come again and I think this time it will not be the Army Chief who will coup. It will most probably be Vice Chief Tariq Majeed. Solution to the whole scenario is as follows:-
1. Coup
2. Zardari, Nawaz Party and other big name politician’s including Altaf Hussain and Imran Khan shoul all be prosecuted and possibly hanged.
3. Mullah’s should be slapped and put on the right path
4. Showing up urs to U.N and India
5. Get on to the path development.
The political legacies need to be ended otherwise the next Prime Minister of Pakistan will probably Sherry Rahman..lol