IS ARMY LOSING ITS GRIP IN PAKISTAN?

Our controversial neighbour Pakistan came in to being in a hurry and did not have enough time to scrutinize the fact that a strong and imbalanced army is a threat to the development of the nation as a democratic setup. The failing health of Mr Jinnah did not provide him with sufficient time to raise the required civil institutions that could control the army.

Army in Pakistan is ‘SECOND TO NONE’ in the hierarchy of power game and has used its rivalry with India to validate its control of total power and to place itself above all admonishments. Even though it never won any of the four wars against India, it managed to wage a successful war against its own democratic system and ruling Pakistan directly for over 30 years and influencing the corridors of political power for rest of the other period since its independence. Yes, the Generals run the country from behind the façade of civilian govt face.

In fact, last three Chiefs of Army Staff, Generals Kayani, Gen Raheel and Gen Bajwa all decided not to be the face to take direct control of the government. As the Army had gained de facto control over nation’s nuclear and missile programs in addition to a direct say in matters of country’s key foreign relationships, military budget, and national security decisionmaking, Marshal law was not considered necessary. To be honest, in my opinion, military had achieved “coup-less coup.” For the first time, civil-military relationship seemed to come off its turbulent past by agreeing on the major issues facing Pakistan i.e.; India, national politics and the economy. The reasons for hesitancy in taking over the reins of Pakistan has not been very clear. Was it because of the taming of the Generals in last two decades by civil masters or, the instable and falling economy variable?

Though, many onlookers world over are pondering on the possible military takeover to each challenge Pakistan faces today, we have to realise that this compulsive speculation is based upon a deep-rooted expectation of the people in Pakistani culture that the military will come to their rescue to rid a corrupt and inefficient government, even at the expense of democracy.

But, I as an observer of military matters believe that those days seem to be over for now. With Imran out of power for long and under arrest, and his supporters creating unprecedented civil unrest situation in the history of Pakistan, there appear no signs of an imminent hard or soft coup by the generals. The army, it seems has digested the insult of torching of houses of two important Corps commanders and damage to its General Headquarters by the unruly crowed on 9th May afternoon.

Indeed, it is for political or social thinkers to describe this mystery in its entirety. I personally feel that though each Pakistan military dictator was of a different brand & style and was subjected to different circumstances while coming to power, they all helped their adversaries to bounce back to power with a vengeance. All of them were possessed with gaining legitimacy to an illegitimate take over. The prescription to make the Supreme Court endorse the military takeover plagued all of them.

Although, the corrupt and insecure environment in the game was favourable to the military regime in the beginning, a bit of arm twisting and the belief that power flows through the barrel of the gun helped the fortune seekers to power. The complications came to light when the generals at the helm tried fitting into the long-established political mould. Each time the Khakhi came to power in Pakistan, the people realised that the moneymaking greed by those in power was no different to the earlier civilian regime.

In current times the Pakistan military leadership faces a significant mess. Though it enjoys a special reputation in the country’s political scenario, it is also aware of its inherent limitations. Therefore, the decision to be in direct control of the nation or, influence indirectly from the side-lines becomes a predicament. In either case, I presume, it cannot act except like an Army – imperfectly. This deadlock gets worse when citizens expect more from the army be as it may of its role and constraints. I recall meeting a prominent personality during my service who said that he was happy with civilian rule but, should something go wrong, he would hold the army responsible. “Damned if you don’t and Damned if you do” is the story now.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

COL ANUPAM JAITLY (R) The writer is defence expert, motivational speaker and corporate trainer