news details |
|
|
| Should Delhi talk to Pak Army Generals instead to Zaradri? | | | Gareeb Dass
Jammu | June 9
Political instability continues to plague Pakistan.Those who had expected that with the installation of a civilian regime in Islamabad the level of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir would get reduced and Pakistan would taste the fruit of healthy democracy and stability proved wrong.Before the new coalition Government in Islamabad could set right the political,constitutional and economic order it has been witnessing sporadic conflict between the PPP and the Muslim League (N),the main two partners of the ruling coalition.And the recent deision of the PPP led Government to go slow with the reinstatement of the judges,who were sacked during the Gen. Parvez Musharraf regime,had brought rhe Yousuf Raza Gilani led Government on the brink of collapse.It took a couple of days for Asif Ali Zardari to defuse the crisis when he confabulated with former Prime Minister,Nawaz Sharief.The two differed again on the impeachment of the President of Pakistan,Gen. Musharraf.Hence the irritants do not allow the PPP led Government to settle down for carrying out economic reforms,for bringing about political stability and for tackling terrorism not only in Jammu and Kashmir but in Pakistan also. While the PPP and the Muslim League (N) leadership is busy in amending the constitution required for clipping the powers of the President and for reinstating the sacked judges,General Musharraf continues to demonstrate a defiant attitude,blowing hot and cold in the same breath.On one had he has rubbished rumours that he was leaving Pakistan or was contemplating to resign,on the other he has announced that he would cooperate with the new Government and believed in the philosophy of "forgiving and patching up."He has not explained whether he meant to forgive PPP and the Muslim League(N) leadership or he was keen to be forgiven by the new civilian regime.Even while saying that he was for "forgiving and patching up" policy he did not wish to conceal his ultimate aim when he stated that he would not sit idle if the new Government tried to clip his powers.This by itself indicates that Gen. Musharraf was getting ready for a show down with the PPP led Government.Was he planning to use the existing Presidential powers for dismissing the Gilani led Government before the Parliament adopted some amendments to the constitution for clipping the powers of the President,especially those that enable him to dismiss the Government ? Or was he indulging in a bully the way he did it during the 1999 Kargil conflict when he threatened to use nuclear weapons against India if Delhi opened war front in other sectors ? Indications are that if the US Government continued to support Gen. Musharraf the new Government in Islamabad may not be in a position to adopt major amendments to the constitution which could make Gen. Musharraf a "useless vegetable."Also,he could hit back once he felt his future was in danger if he was convinced that as President he continued to have the full backing of the Army After he discarded the Army uniform by handing over Army chief's seat to Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kayani he may not be in a position to be in full command and control after Gen. Kayani has stopped playing a second fiddle to him.But nothing can be said with certainity as far as the role the Army would play if a major political and constitutional crisis grip Pakistan.Over the years it has been seen that the Army has been a vital pillar as far as functioning of the establishment in Pakistan was concerned whether during the democratic Government or under the military dictatorship.If there is any doubt about it these were removed by none other than chairman of a separatist conglomerate,the All Party Hurriyat Conference,Molvi Umar Farooq who is on record to have stated that before the civilian regime in Islamabad came out with a solution to the Kashmir issue it was mandatory for it to seek prior approval from the Army.It means that even an elected Government cannot,on its own,take a decision on important issues or disputes. If it is so what is the purpose of the ongoing Delhi-Islamabad talks ?If the dialogue between India and Pakistan was needed for resolving bilateral problems including the Kashmir issue why not then Delhi initiate direct talks with the Pakistani Army Chief and other corps commanders?The Army in Pakistan is a separate institution more powerful than the four pillars of democracy,the legislature,the executive,the judiciary and the press..Any decision taken by the civilian regime in Islamabad is implemented only if the Army supports it.Does it mean that Delhi is wasting its time and energy by having resumed its peace process and confidence building measures with the civilian rulers in Pakistan ?It looks like that. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
