PMLN’s government very successfully managed to see through
the critical issues like installing big 3 i.e. The President, Chief Justice
of the apex court and the Chief of the Army Staff. Moreover the economic issues are put on the
right track , the World Banks, Asian Development Banks, IMF and other donor
agencies are appreciating the efforts of the government on the economic
front. The recent Pakistan development update launched by the World Bank
on April 10th says, “#Pakistan’s economy is gradually improving. GDP growth is expected to reach 4% this year driven
by dynamic manufacturing and service sectors.”
It is very encouraging and Nawaz government deserves a pat
on back but it was quite disheartening to see the recent exchange of the statements
between ISPR and the Politicians and how media added fuel to the fire. Now the
debate has been picked up by the social media and one can imagine how things
can shape up in societies where tolerance level is negative.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in this tenure appears
to be a
changed man and it has been observed that all major and critical issues
are handled exclusively by him. This is good because ultimately, he is
the leader and
face of the PMLN and responsible for good, bad and the ugly.
It is very important that the perception of Government –Army
rift should be dispelled by PM Nawaz Sharif himself and he should pay a ceremonial
visit to the GHQ on his return from Boao, China.
Our political leadership should understand that Pakistan is passing
through a critical phase on one hand the talks with Talibans is underway and on
the other hand economic development has
shown positive signs of recovery and at this moment opening of another front
could be disastrous specially with army.
It is quite evident that important circle in Pakistan Army are
not happy the way political leaders are handling the Musharraf case and Taliban
talks, in recent television interviews General (Retired) Athar Abbas former DG
ISPR in ‘Aaj Kamran Khan kay Shat “ at Geo
TV on April 10th 2014 and Air Marshal (Retired) Shahid Latif in ARY program on April 11th
2014 clearly expressed their concerns,
moreover Pakistan Army Retired Officers Association has just issue the press
release pin pointing the General Musharraf
trail. The situation is not that simple
as it looks and must be dealt carefully.
Let’s look at the example of the Egypt, how Arab spring swept
away everything and then the way Morsi has been treated later. We have to evaluate where Morsi went wrong
and its repercussions.
It has been believed that social media was the catalyst in
shaping up the Arab spring and now keeping in view the present situation in
Egypt, where the Army Chief has become the President – how is not important here – where is the social
media now, as well as free independent local and international media. Has
anyone noticed this, has this situation been discussed in TV talk shows
globally. These are the serious questions one must take note of.
We all love democracy and support the rule of law, we also
love our brothers and sisters in armed forces let’s show respect to all
institutions and avoid confrontation for cheep publicity.
The onslaught on Musharraf by the political leadership of
PMLN may be right from their or political point of view but why PPP, PTI, JI
etc are not supporting this argument and
hence the perception derived from this situation is that PMLN politicians want
to target the army and ensure that they never ever think of taking over.
Army takeovers can be
stopped forever in a very simple way, that is if the political government can
ensure good governance, economic stability, rule of law, respect for the
institutions and sincere love for the country.
Prime Minister Nawas Sharif is heading on the same path and
sooner or later it will be achieved, so no need for insecurities especially by
the courtiers.
It will be heart breaking to see if the system fails just
because of insecurities and nothing else.
