Pakistan will remain dependent on its army until political attitudes transform
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The recent political upheaval in Pakistan may have been unique in some ways, but civilian unrest is a fairly common phenomena that the country has repeatedly experienced over the last 75 years. In fact, politics in Pakistan has never matured and civilian supremacy taken for granted, like in the world’s democracies, is not the case. Although India and Pakistan got their independence at the same time, democratic institutions in India are far more developed-- the present dictatorial tendencies of PM Modi notwithstanding. The dominant role of the army in the affairs of the state from the very inception of Pakistan has a long history.
At the time of partition in 1947, there was hardly any political party that could be considered national in character in the areas that subsequently became a part of Pakistan. The Muslim League under the dynamic leadership of Jinnah led a successful movement for the creation of Pakistan but its roots were essentially in India.
The military in Pakistan was relatively more organized and in a better position to deal with the tragic and challenging events that unfolded at the time of partition. As history bears out, the armed forces have been in the forefront in their primary role of guarding the borders against hostile India and turbulent Afghanistan, countering the threat of militants from within or outside the country and coming in aid of civil power during floods or natural calamities.
In essence, both civil and military regimes have mostly dealt with threats at the kinetic level and not addressed the root causes. Democracy has not taken deep roots and the tradition of working through democratic institutions- political parties, parliament, parliamentary committees has not been necessarily followed. The major political parties-- Pakistan Muslim League and the Pakistan People’s Party-- were formed in the late 70’s and early 80’s and it took a few years to acquire a national reach.
What Pakistan’s political leadership fails to realize is that being a nuclear power requires it to conduct the affairs of the state even more responsibly.
Talat Masood
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), a late entrant under the leadership of Imran Khan, a former cricket idol, has become a major political party that was recently removed under questionable circumstances, leading to protests and confrontation with the government. But Khan’s politics while in power for nearly four years and now in opposition, have been generally conflictual and based on defiance with a greater focus on mass gatherings and protests. If this continues, as Khan has repeatedly threatened, then the country is certainly heading for continued instability. Apparently, Khan called off his protests last week under the military leadership’s advice and pressure. Unfortunately, in a country that suffers from multiple and serious problems, the conduct and approach of leadership is only perpetuating and aggravating these. Unless there is a fundamental shift in attitude and approach of the political leadership, Pakistan will remain crisis ridden and dependent on army leadership.
The political and military leadership has to take a long-term view of the country’s stability and economic well-being of its people. Governments have been mostly engaged in fire fighting and not addressing the root cause of political instability or economic dependence. It is critical that governance should prioritize a smoother functional relationship with the opposition to create conditions for civic peace. This will enhance the capacity and legitimacy of the state. This aspect is seldom given the importance and focus that it warrants.
Internal chaos and constant political confrontation are seriously affecting the economy and country’s image. The recent political crisis and the recurring breakdown of law and order and attitudes of the political leadership towards each other has raised serious concerns at the domestic and international level. What Pakistan’s political leadership fails to realize is that being a nuclear power requires that it conduct the affairs of the state even more responsibly.
— Talat Masood is a retired Lieutenant General from Pakistan Army and an eminent scholar on national security and political issues.
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