The real change in Pakistan can be brought about only by the armed forces which can exercise real power
KARACHI: This refers to the article, “The criminalisation of politics” (March 25) by Rasul Bakhsh Rais. The writer concludes the article by saying: “What is the way out? The cleansing of politics should happen through the strengthening of the rule of law, improving the judicial system and by more effective, autonomous prosecution at the trial and accountability courts. Re-establishing the autonomy and professionalism of the police department in every province is another measure. It is too optimistic a view that people will bring into power good leaders. We will never have durable peace until this nexus of crime and politics continues to thrive”.
When he says, “It is too optimistic a view that people will bring into power good leaders,” I think he should have qualified it by adding “in the present state of affairs” where due to inoperative vetting procedure, there is not much to choose from and where due to massive rigging, the election results do not reflect the actual voting pattern. How can you talk of democracy while deeming the people irrelevant?
As far as ‘strengthening the rule of law’ is concerned, this can be done by improving the judicial system by more effective, autonomous prosecution at the trial and accountability courts, and by ensuring that the police department functions in a more professional way and that the people manning the offices are both competent and honest. Additionally, they are dependent on the government for the resources made available to them as well as in determining their recruitment and promotion, both qualitatively and as to their total strength. Obviously, a nexus of crime and politics which thrives on weaknesses in the judicial and police systems is hardly likely to develop a will to cleanse and improve these.
It may not sound good to lovers and admirers of fake democracy that is prevalent in Pakistan, but the fact is that the real change can be brought about only by the armed forces which can exercise real power. And they are relatively much better than the rest. We have seen how, in the near and distant past, they have given marching orders to the civilian governments. While they have been staging military takeovers mostly for their selfish motives, I wish for once they could exercise their powers for the benefit of the country. I would be the last person to suggest that they take over the government. All I am suggesting is that in consultation with capable and sincere people, the military can truly give life to the country.
SRH Hashmi
Published in The Express Tribune, March 27th, 2015.
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