Ceding space?
Nawaz Sharif’s third term as prime minister has not been without its ups and downs, to say the last, but he seems quite comfortable in the chair as the second year draws down. The dharna agitation, not to mention chatter about the government actually falling, is well in the past. Backing the military on Zarb-e-Azb brought its share of dividends. And while there are many theories about the present state of the economy – and not many agree with the government’s – he does have a rather prominent feather in his cap because of the economic corridor and Chinese investments. Significantly, he’s also ironed out differences from within the kitchen cabinet – for appearances sake, at least.
But things are not always as they seem, especially in the dodgy and unforgiving world of high stake Pakistani politics. An argument increasingly difficult to refute sees the prime minister slowly ceding space, with the civilian government happy to see its authority diluted so long as it stays in power. Increasingly, it is the other Sharif that is more prominent, making foreign tours and receiving foreign guests. The visit to the GHQ by a German parliamentary delegation is a case in point.
“Matters of mutual interest” were discussed, according to ISPR, though there was little by way of explaining the convergence of interest between our military and the German parliament. Perhaps it is time for politicians to realise just how their infighting is hurting themselves, and Pakistani democracy. The brass, too, must understand the critical nature of the present environment. Successes in the military operation are appreciated, but it must not be forgotten that the fight is far from won. If anything, the enemy continues to display a remarkable ability to adapt and improvise. It is best if the military is not seen extending its role beyond such concerns, especially at this point. There can be little denying, however, that the two Sharifs have worked closely to save Pakistan from the menace of terrorism. They should continue to empower the civilian government so all institutions function at their optimum.