The SC has declared the ISI’s political cell illegal. The political cell was created the late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in an 1973 executive order during his regime in order to counter insurgency in Balochistan following his dismissal of Sardar Ataullah Mengal which subsequently led to a resignation by the Pakhtunkwa government.
The politics of Pakistan being erratic since its creation based on personality cult required services of an organised intelligence agency. The ISI became a state within a state during the Afghan war under General Zia-ul-Haq and General Akhtar when it was entrusted with implementing and protecting the interest of the security and foreign policy. As there was no check and audit of ISI’s financial position and activities, it has since been operating with impunity under the command of DG who himself is under the command of the COAS. This is what has led to the army’s involvement in politics.
Any attempt by a civilian government to bring ISI under civilian control has been resisted by the ISI and army. In order to establish a potent rule of law and supremacy of constitution, it is imperative that all national institutions work within the legal limits and under the guidance of the parliament.
It is the responsibility of political party leaders who claim to represent the will of the people to pass laws that determine the function, power and regulations under which the ISI should operate. It is not in the interest of democracy for ISI to play a role in the politics of the country.
S T HUSSAIN
Lahore
