Back to business as usual

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has replied in categorical terms to Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani’s warning of any takeover by military and reassured his support to the democratic process in the country. The Chief Justice of Pakistan Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry also sent a loud and clear message to all power centres that unlike the past the superior judiciary will not endorse any military and unconstitutional takeover in the country. These statements from the two chiefs were very much timely and to the point. They provided a sense of relief both to the PPP government and the public as well. Because there were boiling whispers not only in the freezing streets of Islamabad but in the entire country of imminent reaction from the military after Prime minister threw a bomb saying that “a state within a state” will not be acceptable. Everybody knew where the finger was pointed towards. With all fears and concerns of the PM of conspiracy against his government, the majority in the country were surprised of the methodology being adopted by the chief executive in his two addresses within less than a couple of hours. Some political analysts believe that the PM, at some points of his fierce speeches, diverted from his earlier statements on the OBL operation. That angling might not be even in the interests of PPP. But one may like it or not, there was some kind of method in the madness.
Memo is a thorn in flesh, a bone of contention, source of all doubts, distrust, and distance between civil and military leadership. The PM and his party believe that the notorious memo has no worth at all, it’s a conspiracy designed by an anti-Pakistan element Mansoor Ijaz, an American citizen, accused of being openly speaking and writing against Pakistan Army and ISI. By highlighting this memo, Mr Ijaz intended to create rift between civil and military power centres and preparing ground for violent clash in state institutions. Looking at statements made by the PM and COAS, the argument seems valid. The Memogate has succeeded in widening the distance between Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Rather, for the time being it has blocked the gate connecting the twin cities.
There is no doubt that Gilani-Kayani had a very good working relation and understanding since March 2008, particularly on issues pertaining to the country’s sovereignty and security. For the military operations that our brave soldiers conducted in Malakand and various agencies in FATA, the two top men stood shoulder to shoulder. Same uniformity was demonstrated after May 2 operation and the recent Salala tragedy. But unfortunately, the memo has melted away that bond. The question remains that who is benefiting from this division? Apparently, not Pakistan and its people.
The memo, as the government calls it, a well crafted conspiracy to destabilise the political system and removal of PPP from power must be investigated. Interestingly there is no difference of opinion between civilian and military leadership as long as the inquiry and investigation is concerned. However, the only difference is on its mechanics. Who and where should it be probed? There is law and constitution which has to decide its forum and process of probe. So, it would be in the best interests of all the state institutions to respect, follow and obey the law of the land. The facts about the memo either a conspiracy against government or its vital institutions must be seriously probed and its details brought before the nation. It is in the interests of both civil and military institutions.
There is another interesting aspect of the memo issue. That is the inbuilt fragility of the history of our political system. The regular interference of army in the country’s political system and unconstitutional removal of democratically elected governments gave birth to fear in politicians. Whenever political leadership came into power from the day one they felt that the establishment is conspiring against them and they would be dethroned form the power sooner than later. That’s the only reason why the present government and the opposition political parties are raising their voice against any military intervention and imposing of martial law. The fear could be removed only when the elected governments complete their constitutional tenure and the political and democratic process is not derailed for longer periods of time. The democratic culture has to be promoted; otherwise, the political stability would remain a dream in this country.
We hope that General Kayani will fellow his doctrine of non-interference in the political affairs of the country. He must know that by remaining in barracks the army can deliver in the best manner. That’s the only way to ensure better security of our volatile borders and at the same time gain love and respect from the nation for the institution he heads. In the last four years, the general played a very vital and positive role in creating political stability in the country, especially during the Long March in 2009.
Similarly, we also expect the present government to come out of fear of conspiracies and start concentrating on the real issues that the country is confronted with. It should seriously work on improving the economy, good governance and bring desired reforms in the bleeding state institutions like PIA, Pakistan Steel Mills, Pakistan Railways and PEPCO etc. Energy crisis is a constant pain in every one’s neck. The public is demanding our rulers to stop fighting among themselves and focus on the job for which they are being appointed either in Islamabad or Rawalpindi. Please, come back to the business as usual.

The writer hosts a primetime TV talk show. He can be contacted via email: [email protected]