As the political government’s term nears an end, issues and scandals that threaten to destabilise it prematurely are viewed with great antagonism. The memo controversy at this crucial time has triggered uncalled for animosity between the civil and the military apparatus. The divide has further been deepened by the conflicting and contradicting statements issued by the authorities. Surely no closet will be found without a skeleton or two hanging in it, but will this achieve any amiable outcome?
The government ought to realise that shouting wolf at the army for threatening the poor lamb that is the democratic setup is not plausible anymore because this time around, the wolf is caged, by its own need to appear civilised. A stable civil-military relation is the prime ingredient for strengthening democracy. Alienating the military that has over the years acquired great depth in governance is clearly not a great idea.
Stirring up a storm and letting the media develop a frenzied response before declaring that there is nothing to fear has become the style of the government lately. The mysterious disappearance of the president followed by a completely ordinary comeback, and the enigmatic sacking of the secretary defence followed by an offhand explanation by the prime minister are but a few examples of poor media management and seem like diversion tactics.
Instead of adding to the pool of misunderstandings, the relationship should be pushed towards reconciliation. Surely General Kayani’s declaration that the army supports the democratic process and is cognisant of its constitutional obligations and responsibilities should be a positive step in this direction. It is not just the military’s duty to stay in its turf but also of the civilians to assert themselves.
It is now the duty of the civilian government to stop dragging the security apparatus into a debate that does not require their involvement and aim to resolve the controversy as soon as possible. The civil government needs to grow into a more competent, organised and cohesive network in order to establish its strength.
PROFESSOR KABIL KHAN
Peshawar