Another clash?
IT’S that time of year again. For the more conspiracy-minded Pakistanis, enough has happened in the last few days to get them wondering if a new front has opened up in the land that lurches from one real or perceived clash of institutions to another. Through a slew of cases, the judiciary charges or accuses serving and retired army generals of everything from picking up people in Balochistan and rigging the 1990 election to mismanagement and corruption at the NLC, Pakistan Railways and Fauji Foundation. The chief justice announces that “missiles and tanks” will not keep Pakistan secure, and a few days later issues another public defence of accountability and the constitution. A petition questioning the army chief’s extension is revived, and the Rawalpindi bar passes a hard hitting statement against the COAS. Meanwhile, Gen Kayani publicly asks institutions to stay within their domains and the lawyer filing the petition against extension gets beaten up by unidentified thugs.
That is enough to lead to wild speculation and rumour-mongering in Pakistan, but it is also enough to raise the need — yet again, sadly — to urge all parties involved to take a deep breath and a step back. The government and the judiciary seem to be getting along better, especially since they reached an understanding on the Swiss letter, even though the Supreme Court continues to intervene in some areas where the executive should have the last word. And while the government has from time to time tried to challenge the military, it has largely accepted the limits of how far it can go on that front and has worked out ways to keep itself in power, if not fully in control. But now a judge-versus-general tussle could be brewing, and it has the potential to create instability just as Pakistan is six months away from the finish line of on-time elections.
This is not to say that corruption charges against the military should not be investigated to the fullest extent. The revival of the petition against Gen Kayani’s extension is also perfectly legitimate. The timing of the move is arguably suspicious, since the petition has been rejected before, but on its merits the case is a strong one. What is needlessly provocative, though, are public speeches asserting the judiciary’s superiority and tacit encouragement to lawyers’ associations to jump into the fray. The same goes for the khakis: public pronouncements and a blatant physical attack on a perceived troublemaker will achieve nothing more than raising tensions. Both these institutions have plenty of work to do to address the real challenges the country is facing. Can they afford these petty distractions?
Judiciary is the Second pillar of the state while military comes under defense ministry which is controlled and run by federal minister and secretary. While COAS is 22 Grade government servants according to the constitution of Pakistan in which limitation of each organ of state has been clearly mentioned. Giving public statement by 22 Grade govt servant is surprising, while it was not thought bad in the past according to the context of Pakistan military history. But recently all the people know through media eduction about the role and responsibility of Military under constitution. Hence people consider Judiciary as Saviour of Pakistan and if there started any sort of clash between judiciary and military whole population of Pakistan will back judiciary and military will lose its already weak position and its esteem will be lower before nation. Instead of starting tussle with judiciary military should act upon the order of the court and give exemplary punishment through court martial all those generals who manipulated 1990 election or involved in major corruption cases. People of Pakistan want to get information from military about spending of more 450 billion defense budget which is allocated from the pocket of poor Pakistan to defense forces.
“the lawyer filing the petition against (Gen Kayani) extension gets beaten up by unidentified thugs.”
If they are unidentified — then they could not be the ISI or the army thugs — because if they were they would certainly identify themselves.
I wish it is not a clash.
Independent judiciary is not in the best interest of Men in uniform or the so called democratic government.Both these institutions are not used to a strong judiciary.
If we want to progress, we must support Judiciary.
Conspiracy theories survive in the absence of information, here the media has a lot to answer for. The people are fed information that the media sees fit and at times concocts to suit its agenda. That the country is going brought a difficult time is a foregone conclusion and as written quite rightly, everyone has to play a responsible role. Easier said than done. The root cause lies in having a corrupt and incompetent government, it is not sacrosanct that the government should complete its term, under such disastrous circumstances.
The democratic process must stay and that is the only way forward.Everybody has to think of Pakistan and leave aside personal gains.
It seems obvious that the country is passing through a water-shed situation, where the constitutional limits of the different institutions of the country will be fixed accountably by the Apex Court’s action.
Conspiracy theories make people feel more comfortable, but they are actually filing the information vacuum with their worst fears.
It is really a tough time for the army generals. They are facing something unprecedented in the history of the country. No body can disagree with the supremacy of rule of law and prosecuting any culprit whether he be a civilian or a khaki, but the way it is done is not doing any good to the frail democracy of the country. Army is fighting on many fronts and in this scenario constant media onslaught on the military high command will not help achieve the objectives. Criticism must be balanced and it shoe not be agenda driven or for personal benefits. This is our country and the army is also our most viable institution. Generals must be criticized but not the army.
May Allah guide us to refrain from imparting sensationalism and propaganda!
If Kayani stays within the limits of his constitutional authority, instead of issuing veiled threats, things can calm down. Unfortunately, in COAS’ mind, army is supreme. He needs to remember, he works for the civilian Minister of Defense and is not owner of the armed forces.