In Crisis-Ravaged Pakistan, The Generals Are Waiting In The Wings

[khyaal]

By Daud Khattak
The words "this is a critical time for Pakistan" have been used so often since the country gained independence in 1947 that it has become virtually meaningless. Practically every ruler and ruling party in the country’s history has used it, usually as a prelude to the intervention of the military in political life.

Nonetheless, when one considers the widespread devastation caused by the ongoing floods, a contracting economy that is kept afloat by foreign loans, the country’s worst-ever energy crisis, the political crisis caused by the growing chasm between the ruling party and the judiciary, worsening regional and ethnic divisions, and the Taliban-driven security crisis, a pretty strong case can be made that Pakistan is indeed at a critical juncture.

Considering the gravity of the situation and the sluggish response of the elected government to the flooding disaster, it was only to be expected that there would be calls for the army to intervene. And that’s exactly what has happened.

Recently, Altaf Hussain, the self-exiled leader of the Urdu-speaking community, called for "patriotic" generals to carry out a new "French Revolution" in Pakistan. Hussain also called for the public hanging of corrupt politicians, apparently without taking into consideration the horror of public executions in Afghanistan under the Taliban or in the regions of Pakistan where the Taliban are entrenched now.

Hussain's appeal to the generals has provoked a lively furor in political spheres.

In the light of speculation that the army played no small part in leaving the civilian government -- and particularly the much-maligned President Asif Ali Zardari -- so far behind in responding to the flooding crisis in Sindh and Punjab provinces, many observers expected opportunist politicians to turn to the military.

Public Sympathy

But such a direct call for martial law coming from a man whose party is a major ally of the ruling Pakistan People's Party -- which Zardari heads -- was beyond all expectations. And although the call for military intervention itself was disheartening, the negative reaction of most political parties -- led by Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) -- has been encouraging. Not only has Hussain been rebuffed, but a strong signal has been sent to the military as well that, despite the current crisis, its involvement in politics is no longer welcomed.

However, the development is still potentially dangerous. Although the country's largest parties have condemned Hussain's statements, there has been no serious reaction from the religious parties or from the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid, the party that supported General Pervez Musharraf throughout his years in power.

In addition, there may be considerable public sympathy for Hussain's idea. In the flood-ravaged regions, it is the army -- not the civilian government -- that is seen as doing the most to help the victims, carrying out relief-and-rescue operations and distributing food and other assistance.

In major cities such as Peshawar, Lahore, and Quetta -- which have been the scene of sectarian violence and terror attacks -- people are growing increasingly skeptical of the government's ability to maintain security.

As a result, although most Pakistanis blame the previous military dictators for the country's present predicament, they may nonetheless welcome a "savior" from among the generals.

http://www.rferl.org/content/In_Cris...s/2150773.html

[Shehbaz Khan]

General Ashfaq Kayani has got the vision .. He had seen the damage done to the country by the Generals before him that may be the reason he is sitting back quitely though interfering in the govt (Like CJ issue) but not coming on the front .. Pakistan needs strong revolution to get rid of the leaders like Mr. Ten Percent ..

Rightly said the political/civil leadership is totally absent in KPK, Sindh and Balochistan .. with an exception to Punjab as the Chief Minister is atleast on the ground to help the flood victims ..

The major problem of this govt is that it's not having any opposition party .. PML-N will strongly protest against the military rule as the next govt is supposed to be their and they won't give their turn to the Generals .. Moreover, I don't smell any rebellion in the Armed forces .. They are quite and giving the country something more than expected

[Shehbaz Khan]

And I missed adding Altaf Hussain .. He is the biggest liar in Pakistan the two things they are really good at are 1)Terrorism and 2) Handling the media .. They will tackle the media in such a way that it will take their side always ..

The reputation of Altaf Hussain in rest of the Pakistan is 0% exceptions are Hyderabad and Karachi even there he is not praised but people fear his name and his people ..

His party will always be in govt and they will speak against the govt .. Why don't they simply quit ..

This dual attitude is a great threat to Pakistan .. Like Imran Khan said they will kill you at night and tomorrow morning they will be the first one to be there on your funeral

[KhalsaWarrior]

General Ashfaq Kayani has got the vision .. He had seen the damage done to the country by the Generals before him that may be the reason he is sitting back quitely though interfering in the govt (Like CJ issue) but not coming on the front .. Pakistan needs strong revolution to get rid of the leaders like Mr. Ten Percent ..

Rightly said the political/civil leadership is totally absent in KPK, Sindh and Balochistan .. with an exception to Punjab as the Chief Minister is atleast on the ground to help the flood victims ..

The major problem of this govt is that it's not having any opposition party .. PML-N will strongly protest against the military rule as the next govt is supposed to be their and they won't give their turn to the Generals .. Moreover, I don't smell any rebellion in the Armed forces .. They are quite and giving the country something more than expected

You seem to be speaking with the best interest of Pakistan in your heart, but the bold part is what's wrong in the Pakistan society. Pakistanis are schooled to trust and expect a lot from the Army. They look at the Army as their saviors without any faith in the democratic process. They turn to them whenever a civilian abuses his powers but get back to bad-mouthing the same Army when the Generals themselves run riot.

I also understand that Pakistan has been let down by both civilian leaders and Army generals. But surely, you have to give democracy a chance to flourish before exhorting the Army to take over. Ayub, Zia and Musharraf's role did more harm to Pakistan and its image globally than any corrupt civilian leader. The solution might lie in dismantling the feudal political structure and making the right choices during election rather than depending upon the Army whenever the country is in deep shyt.

[Saeed Khan]

You seem to be speaking with the best interest of Pakistan in your heart, but the bold part is what's wrong in the Pakistan society. Pakistanis are schooled to trust and expect a lot from the Army. They look at the Army as their saviors without any faith in the democratic process. They turn to them whenever a civilian abuses his powers but get back to bad-mouthing the same Army when the Generals themselves run riot.

I also understand that Pakistan has been let down by both civilian leaders and Army generals. But surely, you have to give democracy a chance to flourish before exhorting the Army to take over. Ayub, Zia and Musharraf's role did more harm to Pakistan and its image globally than any corrupt civilian leader. The solution might lie in dismantling the feudal political structure and making the right choices during election rather than depending upon the Army whenever the country is in deep shyt.

Thanks Khalsia, though your post is not directed at me.
Pakistan has a lot to worry about economy etc. Though media may highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan in a way that looks as if this country will implode. I think Pakistan is fully capable of meeting the challenges, all that is required is good governance, massive economic reforms and the economy will rebound, energy production can be diversified and energy shortages overcome. As a Pakistani, in these challenging times I am still hopeful of a bright future. Without doubt the challenges are enormous and much is required from us. But a vibrant media, active civil society, independent judiciary and the middle class is starting to make the difference in Pakistan. Now politicians can’t induldge in corruption and get away with it. With Public scrutiny, Army is also more sensitive on national issues, and I reflect the public sentiments of Pakistan towards the Army, it being the most professional, capable and well organized/functioning institution in the country. However, civilian institution are also being empowered like the judiciary.
Pak Military is a disciplined institution and does a lot of critical thinking and self introspection/assessments etc. It follows doctrines and undertakes studies, devise long-term strategy. Yes, military men do get it wrong sometimes in Pakistan. But when time comes, they lay down their lives to protect Pakistan too. That is the difference, between Army and corrupt politicians in Pakistan. The politicians plunder and run away, the Army is still nationalistic atleast. This is something you guys don’t understand, and Army is now trying to build the capacity of civil government so it can take more responsibility. What else do we need? And why to criticize the Army all the time is understandable.

[Shehbaz Khan]

Yes I am and I should speek in the best interest of My Country, Pakistan. The bold part is wrong in my society I agree .. And Army is trustable .. 99% of the Army is trustable as it's having honest officers who work for the welfare of the country and it's people except a few power and money hungry Generals who will never miss a chance to loot the country. It's I believe that for the first time in history we have got an Army Chief who is fully supporting the political govt and letting it flourish ..


But at the same time the people of Pakistan want results from the current political govt .. We wanted them to solve our problems but they didn't they failed to solve any problem whether it be ANP in Pakhtunkhwa or the Federal Govt of Mr. Ten Percent

[BLS_1919v2.0]

Thanks Khalsia, though your post not directed to me.
Pakistan has a lot to worry about economy etc. Though media may highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan in a way that looks as if this country will implode. I think Pakistan is fully capable of meeting the challenges, all that is required is good governance, massive economic reforms and the economy will rebound, energy production can be diversified and energy shortages overcome. As a Pakistani, in these challenging times I am still hopeful of a bright future. Without doubt the challenges are enormous and much is required from us. But a vibrant media, active civil society, independent judiciary and the middle class is starting to make the difference in Pakistan. Now politicians can’t induldge in corruption and get away with it. With Public scrutiny, Army is also more sensitive on national issues, and I reflect the public sentiments of Pakistan towards the Army, it being the most professional, capable and well organized/functioning institution in the country. However, civilian institution are also being empowered like the judiciary.
Pak Military is a disciplined institution and does a lot of critical thinking and self introspection/assessments etc. It follows doctrines and undertakes studies, devise long-term strategy. Yes, military men do get it wrong sometimes in Pakistan. But when time comes, they lay down their lives to protect Pakistan too. That is the difference, between Army and corrupt politicians in Pakistan. The politicians plunder and run away, the Army is still nationalistic atleast. This is something you guys don’t understand, and Army is now trying to build the capacity of civil government so it can take more responsibility. What else do we need? And why to criticize the Army all the time is understandable.

Army building the capacity into civilian government is part of the problem, their doctrine is part of the problem, their strategies are part of the problem. Go through Pakistans 63 years and half of it was Army. The civilian government's worst mistakes are minute compared to the Armys. Zia ul Haq did enough to dig Pakistan's grave, let alone all the others. My 2 cents.

[Shehbaz Khan]

I agree but if the political/civil govt would have not welcomed them they would have never ever seen the President house .. You need to admit the fact that the political leadership was not good infact it was the worst which allowed Army to walk into the govt .. This is something you are forgetting .. Allowing Army to enter the President house is the biggest mistake done by the political govt ..


Moreover, All this topic you started just because of a crapy person Altaf Hussain's speech and he has got no significance in the eyes of 90% of the people of Pakistan. And Moreover the Current Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani had already proved it through his attitude that he don't want to walk into the president house

[BLS_1919v2.0]

I agree but if the political/civil govt would have not welcomed them they would have never ever seen the President house .. You need to admit the fact that the political leadership was not good infact it was the worst which allowed Army to walk into the govt .. This is something you are forgetting .. Allowing Army to enter the President house is the biggest mistake done by the political govt ..


Moreover, All this topic you started just because of a crapy person Altaf Hussain's speech and he has got no significance in the eyes of 90% of the people of Pakistan. And Moreover the Current Army Chief General Ashfaq Kayani had already proved it through his attitude that he don't want to walk into the president house

Yes that is the way a Prime Minister should just walk up and fight an army of 700,000 plus...well done my friend.

Where did the Army get the idea that they were "welcomed"?

[Shehbaz Khan]

I already told you that due to the power Hungry Generals we are into this problem but all the time it was due to the normal civil servants who welcomed Army ..
Ok Tell me personally do you think If Zia-Ul-Haq would have not got the political support Nu it would have been possible for him to be in power for so long ?
And How about Musharraf? Imagine Was it possible for Musharraf to rule Pakistan for so many years without PML-Q and MQM :s
No It's the fault fo the political people

[Saeed Khan]

Army building the capacity into civilian government is part of the problem, their doctrine is part of the problem, their strategies are part of the problem. Go through Pakistans 63 years and half of it was Army. The civilian government's worst mistakes are minute compared to the Armys. Zia ul Haq did enough to dig Pakistan's grave, let alone all the others. My 2 cents.

You will be pleasently surprised that Pakistan is moving towards a transformation, surely current Pakistan Army high command under Gen. Tariq Majeed as CJSC and Gen. Ashfaq Kayani are best and forcefully back the civilian government’s stability and are helping it build capacity in various fields. Army is staying out of politics wisely, steadily built its lost image during Musharraf years, has no intention to get in governance. All indicators point that Pakistan military is a source of stability for Pakistan.
While in the past things were different, but certainly Pakistan is not indulding in any zero-sum game. Though I agree maybe to some extent Pakistan might still be looking after some of its national interests in an obsessive manner. But lets assume old habits die hard, but its only in some cases they never die, mostly they do dissipate over some time.

My 2 paisa

[BLS_1919v2.0]

You will be pleasently surprised that Pakistan is moving towards a transformation, surely current Pakistan Army high command under Gen. Tariq Majeed as CJSC and Gen. Ashfaq Kayani are best and forcefully back the civilian government’s stability and are helping it build capacity in various fields. Army is staying out of politics wisely, steadily built its lost image during Musharraf years, has no intention to get in governance. All indicators point that Pakistan military is a source of stability for Pakistan.
While in the past things were different, but certainly Pakistan is not indulding in any zero-sum game. Though I agree maybe to some extent Pakistan might still be looking after some of its national interests in an obsessive manner. But lets assume old habits die hard, but its only in some cases they never die, mostly they do dissipate over some time.

My 2 paisa

Uhmm Kiyani is mostly same old same old, he took an extension (rather he made sure of it) when the right thing to do (in my opinion) would have been to step down. Army is still very well rooted in the media and foreign policy...and judging by the current headlines, they are itching for it.

Sherbaz who created MQM?

[KhalsaWarrior]

Thanks Khalsia, though your post not directed to me.
Pakistan has a lot to worry about economy etc. Though media may highlight the challenges faced by Pakistan in a way that looks as if this country will implode. I think Pakistan is fully capable of meeting the challenges, all that is required is good governance, massive economic reforms and the economy will rebound, energy production can be diversified and energy shortages overcome. As a Pakistani, in these challenging times I am still hopeful of a bright future. Without doubt the challenges are enormous and much is required from us. But a vibrant media, active civil society, independent judiciary and the middle class is starting to make the difference in Pakistan. Now politicians can’t induldge in corruption and get away with it. With Public scrutiny, Army is also more sensitive on national issues, and I reflect the public sentiments of Pakistan towards the Army, it being the most professional, capable and well organized/functioning institution in the country. However, civilian institution are also being empowered like the judiciary.
Pak Military is a disciplined institution and does a lot of critical thinking and self introspection/assessments etc. It follows doctrines and undertakes studies, devise long-term strategy. Yes, military men do get it wrong sometimes in Pakistan. But when time comes, they lay down their lives to protect Pakistan too. That is the difference, between Army and corrupt politicians in Pakistan. The politicians plunder and run away, the Army is still nationalistic atleast. This is something you guys don’t understand, and Army is now trying to build the capacity of civil government so it can take more responsibility. What else do we need? And why to criticize the Army all the time is understandable.

Saeed, its perfectly fine to be proud of your Army. But whenever that pride feeds expectation of country-management, that's where things begin to go horribly wrong.

Dont get me wrong, from what I have read and known PA is a very professional institution and probably the best. But governance is not its job. It should stay completely away from political interference. Even the PLA in China moved away into a strictly military role and left the political governance to the Politburo once the revolution was over. To quote you an other example, in India, recently there was a demand to introduce the Army into anti-Naxal operations. But MoD refused since Army shouldnt tackle internal threats.

And I too think that Pakistan can come out this hour of crisis. It has faced similar situation before for. eg. '71.

[Saeed Khan]

Uhmm Kiyani is mostly same old same old, he took an extension (rather he made sure of it) when the right thing to do (in my opinion) would have been to step down. Army is still very well rooted in the media and foreign policy...and judging by the current headlines, they are itching for it.

Sherbaz who created MQM?

When the civil government messes up, its the Army that pitches in to stabilize the country. When the Army fails, its always the civil society that makes its voice heard. Recently, the judiciary and media have been strong too.

chuwani

[BLS_1919v2.0]

When the civil government messes up, its the Army that pitches in to stabilize the country. When the Army fails, its always the civil society that makes its voice heard. Recently, the judiciary and media have been strong too.

chuwani

Its not their job to do so. The whole point of the civilian government is to run the state for better or worse. If institutions can't be respected there is no point in having them. Also, the army were the ones who caused the major problems. Look at Pakistan's history from the first coup to the last. And look at each and every regime...tell me if they havent bungled everything. Hec they even failed in doing their primary job, they started and lost 65, 71, and 99.