Undue criticism

The leadership across the board should rise to the occasion, build a narrative of compassion and collaboration

The ISPR has made it very clear that efforts on the part of “some political leaders, journalists and analysts” to drag the military in politics is quite unfortunate, and hints at a nefarious agenda. This is so because the institution is witnessing a blanket social media campaign against it, as well as insinuations from public quarters over “the role of the armed forces in the ongoing political crisis” in the country. This is tantamount to hybrid warfare of which the armed forces are a critical target. The unfounded allegations and hearsay associated with the army leadership seems to be a ploy to sabotage national harmony, and push the country to the brink.

The strong-worded exception taken by the army’s public relations wing is worth-studying. As the armed forces have made it clear that they do not wish to be part of any kind of inclination in public life, their neutrality must be cherished. There is no point in ridiculing or bringing it in debate for the sake of argument. Likewise, the tendency to solicit the army in civilian affairs and count on their power muscles is neither a democratic tradition, nor is it advisable. The point that the country’s most respected national institution wants to strictly adhere to professionalism, and abide by the Constitution while working with the civilian dispensation is appreciated. This will go a long way in burying the hatchet that had set in owing to conflict of interests in the past, and usher in a new era of nation-building and representative rule.

The political leadership across the board should rise to the occasion, and build a narrative that furthers compassion and collaboration between organs of the state. Singling out one against another is petty politics. The armed forces, judiciary and parliament have constitutionally defined roles to play, and they should stick to their prologue. What is needed is care and caution, as well as a sense of responsibility while airing comments in the media and political milieu. The onus is on the media to project the stated obvious and that too after critical introspection. Indulging in scoops at the cost of national interests is sheer irresponsibility.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 10^th, 2022.

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