Rumour mills in overdrive
The prerequisites for governance include foresight, to address issues before they get out of control and snowball. The PML-N government apparently has an archaic approach towards governance: in this age of delegation of powers, it is rooted to centralisation. The prime minister holds the all-important portfolios of defence and foreign affairs. Though by principle all portfolios are PM’s, he can in no way be expected to deliver on all of them by himself, for inevitably the performance is impacted, adversely.
Even before the elections, it was anticipated that 2013 was going to be a year of change in terms of three most powerful offices going to have new incumbents at the helm: the president, the COAS and the CJP. Thus the ‘N’ should have been far better organised to deal with it, instead of allowing the rumour mills run overtime. As quick as the federal government was in appointing a president of its choice, it has not shown any inclination in how it intends to deal with the other two appointments. There is also talk of Gen Kayani getting another extension on top of his about-to-expire double-tenure. Another speculation is that he will in one way or another be ‘accommodated’, for there is argument that his role at the top hasn’t yet run its course, that his expertise can still be utilised. His strength, apart from his exceptional nous for the job, are said to be smooth relations with the US brass and an avowed pro-democracy stance. So, he may get to be posted CJCSC, or maybe a more creative solution will be found to retain him. Yet another piece of gossip suggests he might be appointed Pakistan’s ambassador to the US. While it is true that Gen Kayani’s immense experience is an asset, but giving him an extension can only come at the expense of other seniors down the ladder of army leadership – not an ideal situation for it as an institution. Then, there is said to be a possibility of having him in a consultative capacity. What matters is that the government remains undecided on how best to handle the issue, which reflects a lacklustre attitude towards serious appointments.
The COAS is not the only position on which the PML-N government appears to be dithering. The posts of CJCSC and Chief Justice will also become vacant in the coming weeks and yet no policy statement has been issued on how the government intends to tackle it. Then there is the case of NAB chairman, who hasn’t been appointed even after four meetings between parliamentary leaders from across the aisle. The government needs to act and act soon or there would be no end to rumours – besides aspersions will be cast on its capacity to govern.
