Guided democracy prevails in Pakistan and the power originates from the so-called establishment, emphasized analysts on Express News talk show 'Experts'.
They added that the decision of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to exclusively hold dialogue with the army is a pragmatic response to the prevailing political reality.
"Throughout Pakistan's democratic history, it's evident that democracy is guided by the establishment, due to the alleged incompetence of politicians," said Express Tribune Chief Editor Naveed Hussain.
اسٹیبلشمنٹ سے بات کرنے کی خواہش، تجزیہ کار فیصل حسین کی بانی پی ٹی آئی پر سخت تنقید، وجہ بھی بتادی@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas@navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/rUGSA1NknC
— Experts (@express_experts) January 25, 2024
Pointing to the failure of politicians to deliver, Hussain said they seek support from the armed forces for minor issues to natural catastrophes. “Fortunately or unfortunately, the role of the army is widely recognised” he added.
Hussain referred to the return of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from London, and said it was only possible with a green signal from the establishment.
“This time Sharif spoke where he should have spoken and he was welcomed and now the way for power is being paved for PML-N” Hussain maintained.
The chief editor further asserted that all politicians are aware of the source of power and the appropriate channels for dialogue and pointed out that if Imran chooses to engage in discussions, he would direct his attention toward the locus of power in Pakistan.
Daily Express Group Editor Ayaz Khan also concurred with Hussain affirming that the establishment is the central power in the country's political landscape. Khan further supported his assertion by citing the example of Sharif's return to the country from London.
بانی پی ٹی آئی اسٹیبلشمنٹ سے کیوں بات کرنا چاہتے ہیں؟ تجزیہ کار ایاز خان نے بڑی وجہ بتادی@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/CKrdDsx0of
— Experts (@express_experts) January 25, 2024
“It has been consistent from the beginning, Sharif was selected and appointed prime minister following his tenure as chief minister for the first time.”
Referring to the statements made by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Khan emphasised that the army chief had unequivocally stated that the army would determine which politician is right for the country.
The group editor also raised a pertinent question following COAS Munir's recent statement, regarding who should the founder of PTI engage in dialogue with. He emphasised that engaging in dialogue with Asif Ali Zardari or Nawaz Sharif would not be beneficial for him.
Express News Islamabad Bureau Chief Amir Ilyas Rana criticised Imran's statement, where he insisted on engaging in dialogue with the army, alleging that the dilemma of PTI's founder is that he believes that he was brought in by the army.
"When Nawaz Sharif was ousted, it was through the collective actions of the army, judiciary, and at Imran's request. In contrast, no-confidence votes from members were utilised to oust Imran Khan from power" claimed Rana.
He also underscored the importance of the May 9 tragedy, stating that Imran is suffering as a consequence of that incident, otherwise he could have taken an easy way out to save his party as a political leader.
بانی پی ٹی آئی اسٹیبلشمنٹ سے کیا کیا خواہشات کرتے رہے؟
— Experts (@express_experts) January 25, 2024
تجزیہ کار عامر الیاس رانا کا بڑا انکشاف@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/PyLDbOmIus
“If you think you can come with the help of the army and then rule alone, that is not possible. Even the army couldn’t rule without the help of politicians” Rana said.
Rana, while referencing the statement of the COAS, clarified that if Imran is seeking assistance from the army for his release then there is a clear denial of such assistance from the other side.
Express News Karachi Bureau Chief Faisal Husain emphasised the puzzling necessity of Imran engaging in dialogue with the army, questioning the motives behind the events of May 9.
پاکستانی سیاستدان عوام سے زیادہ اسٹیبلشمنٹ سے کیوں بات کرتےہیں؟ تجزیہ کار نوید حسین نے بتادیا@MuhammadIlyaspk @RanaAamirilyas @navidjourno @Duaakanwal1 @itsmeayazkhan @s_faisalhussain pic.twitter.com/wgCiEWz3iG
— Experts (@express_experts) January 25, 2024
He inquired about the logic behind casting aspersions on the army, labelling them as hypocrites and traitors. Faisal urged the founder of PTI to extend an apology and acknowledge the blunder in presuming that he has control over the military.
“It’s a ground reality that Nawaz Sharif came back after dealing with the army and now Imran Khan is also on that path, It's evident that politicians choose dialogue."
Express News Lahore Bureau Chief Muhammad Ilyas pointed out that Imran has refrained from engaging in dialogue with politicians while holding power.
He underscored the imperative of political dialogue, emphasising that Imran should have engaged in discussions with politicians to revive the economy and revamp the political system.
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