Pak army is pushing the country into isolation Amar Ujala 21 Sep 17
Pakistan’s ex-President, General Parvez Musharraf recently stated in an interview that in Pakistan, the army has always come to power to pull the nation from the pits into which elected governments left it. He, like most of his army colleagues in Pakistan, are allergic to any democratically elected government, solely because of the power which they hold over the nation. However, in every instance, like all dictatorships, whenever the military has usurped power, it has broken the national fabric.
Dictatorships have set the nation behind by time, compelling democratic leaders to struggle to it back on track, Pak being no exception. Even in countries where the army rules from behind the scenes, the nation faces international isolation and criticism. Elected political representatives remain at their wits end on how to restore the nation’s standing in the international comity.
Pakistan has had a collection of despotic rulers, who have ensured near isolation of the nation. Yahya Khan as a military dictator was responsible for splitting of the country and the creation of Bangladesh. Zia introduced Islamic law, thus opening doors to sectarianism and religious fundamentalism, which will dog Pakistan throughout its future. Musharraf’s brashness resulted in enhanced separatist actions in different parts of the country, brought the economy to the brink of collapse and he himself had to run into exile to avoid being prosecuted on a variety of charges, including murder.
Their control over the nation is such that if any elected representative attempts to alter their set ideology or limit their control, his days are numbered. Nawaz Sharif has faced that on multiple occasions. Their support to terror groups, despite world condemnation, has continued unabated. The confidence possessed by the deep state is such that it has ignored the concept of ‘clandestine support’ as many other nations follow. They have been open and brash about supporting terror groups, confident that no internal power possesses the strength to correct or advise them.
The infamous ‘Dawn Leaks’ is clearly the one attempt which the polity made, knowing world anger is slowly turning towards Pak. It angered the army to such an extent, that a series of tweets by the head of the army public relations (DG ISPR) compelled the Prime Minister to call a cabinet meeting, resulting in the resignation of the information minister. It took multiple interactions between the army and the elected representatives to resolve the issue.
The nation is again being pushed to the brink of international criticism, when the BRICS summit in Xiamen, with China in the chair, supported by Russia, quoted terror groups located in Pakistan. Its only ally’s China and Russia, also joined the world is naming Pak based terror groups.
In this military controlled state while the military openly supports terror groups, it is left to the polity to make statements, that no such groups exist. The embarrassment caused to the nation and the government is clear, when every nation, including those it seeks support from, condemns the very groups it supports. Statements have also been made by their ex-foreign affairs advisor, Sartaj Aziz, that Pak has influence over terror groups as it continues to provide them support. Their present foreign minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif hinted towards the deep state that tougher action should be taken against anti-India terror groups.
This is not the only occasion in recent times, when their army has let the nation down. The Jadhav case, clearly one of kidnapping, fake trial and sentencing, denying access to even its own polity, has pushed the nation to the backfoot. The embarrassment which Pak suffered at the hands of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), had to be borne by the government, while the army refused to change its stance and permit access to the individual.
India-Pak relations would have been more cordial, critical issues resolved and both nations moving towards prosperity had it not been for the deep distrust of the polity by the Pak army. Whenever the elected government has contemplated talks or even suggested resolution of pending issues, the deep state has waded in with a terror strike, pushing relations back.
The same has been the case with Afghanistan. Pak’s support to terror groups, which are causing mayhem in Afghanistan, has prompted the US to adopt a hard stance against the nation. It is evident that the coming days would witness an increase in drone strikes in Pakistan, impacting the standing and reputation of the army. The last time it happened, frustrated members of the senate questioned the army’s ability to defend their borders.
It is only when it is hit hard, does the Pak army understand. India has proved this on multiple occasions, destroying their defences, militant training camps and striking military convoys. This forces them to reduce ceasefire violations. It also results in POK locals rising in protests, impacting their image. This message has also been understood by the US, who with induction of additional forces would commence the same on Pak’s western borders. While the civilian government would bear the brunt of criticism, internally the army’s reputation would be affected.
Economically Pak has been the loser. Other than China, no other nation is willing to invest in the military dominated state. Its only saving grace is its nuclear weapons, which would ensure the nation survives. Like all dictatorships or military dominated governments in history, Pak too is heading for internal disaster in the days ahead.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army