Cover Story
Parochial Politics
Elections may not bring immediate calm or reduce the people’s anguishes but it will set the country in the right direction.
The political and economic conditions of Pakistan continue to deteriorate at a fast pace, raising serious concerns about the country’s future. Political leaders to achieve their narrow aims are deliberately pursuing highly confrontational policies at a time when cooperation and common effort is essential to navigate the country from its present challenges. Their intense rivalry bordering on animosity have debased politics, while denying them the focus on serving the interests of the people at large.
In essence, there is a lack of commitment to democratic ethos and values with the likelihood that democracy, which is already weak, would be further derailed. The influence of Army over politics and economic policies is still a dominant factor, although General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff, had mentioned that the army leadership would stay away from politics. He must have realized on assumption of office that the internal and external situation was destabilizing the country and matters couldn’t be left to a weak and unfocussed leadership. Similar logic has prevailed in Pakistan’s chequered history to justify major military interventions or constant oversight of civilian regimes as Pakistan from its very inception inherited a weak democratic structure.
The crossing of constitutional boundaries and acquiring political power by the Army did restore temporary calm and stability but has weakened democracy and political leadership. This cycle has to be broken but would only be possible if there is a realization and commitment on the part of all institutions to set aside their narrow parochial aims in the larger interest of the country.
Interestingly, the Army itself is undergoing a major change as its younger officers like the rest of the society have a different world view that is largely influenced by the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and proliferation of electronic and social media. This is only a natural phenomenon as has happened in most modern militaries not only affecting behaviour but even conduct of warfare.
The events of 9th May when a mob in Lahore deliberately desecrated the Corps Commander house showed that inimical forces were misleading and instigating the crowds under the garb of political vendetta that Army was involved in the arrest and maltreatment of Imran Khan. This misguided thinking has to be corrected through normal punitive measures and by prudent socio-political actions.
Meanwhile, as indications are the Army being deeply concerned with the deteriorating political and law and order situation may play a more active role in stabilizing the situation. There are analysts that discern signs that the country is heading for a revolution if the slide is not arrested. And the government may be contemplating declaring an emergency. It would, however, be advisable if the government does not go that far or set up military courts to deal with those committing offenses and let civilian courts handle them on priority. Our past experience of military courts has not been good for these failed to either reduce crime or expedite cases as invariably there were appeals against judgements that landed the cases in superior courts. In fact, a mature and responsible conduct by political leadership in dealing with each other and focusing on governance could be transformational.
Pakistan’s extremely weak economy, bordering on default is another matter of deep concern. It has not received the attention it deserves by successive governments. To add to our woes, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is dragging its feet by introducing more conditions to finalize the loan agreement so that it does not have to renegotiate with the next government. Pakistan’s allies, such as China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others are closely watching events as to how these would unfold. So is the US and the West and their concerns are many.
Lately, about 66 US lawmakers urged Secretary of State Antony Blinken to push for democracy and human rights in Pakistan by using all diplomatic tools at their disposal to pressure the government of Pakistan “towards a greater commitment to democracy, human rights, and the rule of law”. Although the Biden administration is reluctant to take sides in the current political dispute, it is, however, likely that the US and even certain European countries may be discreetly advising restraint and dialogue and keeping a close watch on infringement upon freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
From every aspect holding of national and provincial elections soon will go a long way in stabilizing the situation. It is important to ensure that these are conducted in a fair and impartial manner lest it leaves a legacy of mistrust and doubts about the credibility of the people in power. Equally, if not more important is that state institutions stay within the legal and constitutional boundaries. At present, practically every institution is overstepping in to the others domain creating chaos and weakening the power of the state and adversely affecting the lives of the people. These undesirable characteristics of our institutions are blocking all constructive initiatives that the country needs. With the present government already so weak if this meddling continues it may become difficult to stabilize the situation. To end this state of uncertainty and to place the country on a stable trajectory it is important that a firm date of elections be announced soon. Elections may not bring immediate calm or reduce the people’s anguishes but it will set the country in the right direction.
Our leaders need to reflect that in these seventy-six years of our life and having national and provincial elections since 2014, not been able to develop confidence in the fairness and integrity of the election process. It is critical that elections be fair and seen to be fair, lest there is a backlash and a series of protests.
The writer is a retired lieutenant general of the Pakistan Army and a former federal secretary. He has also served as chairman of the Pakistan Ordnance Factories Board.
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