Gilani’s earlier public statements, cathartic though they may have been, signalled the last stand of a desperate government that knew its time was up. The magnanimity the prime minister is now showing to the military could be a hint that that the army now realises that the PPP is not going to give up without putting up a fight. And even though both Kayani and ISI Chief Ahmed Shuja Pasha may not be removed from office, that does not mean the government is caving in. In an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court in the memogate case, the federal government has criticised Pasha for reporting on his meeting with Mansoor Ijaz to Kayani rather than Gilani.
As fretful as the last few weeks have been for well-wishers of democracy, this very public fight between the civilian representatives and the military may end up being the best thing that happened to Pakistan. The people have clearly shown that no matter how much they dislike this current set-up, they are in no mood for an overt coup. For once, the army has been challenged on its wielding unbridled power in the country. Everyone thought the civilians would roll over but they have proved up to the fight. This does not mean that the military, most likely with an assist from the Supreme Court, won’t end up removing Asif Zardari as president. But the government has made it substantially harder for the military to get its way this time.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 28th, 2011.
COMMENTS (5)
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The Honourable Prime Minister of Pakistan is elected prime minister and a brave man belongs to a respectable family,he is best man for the present seat of Prime Minster I love him very much .
salute to english media for being side by side with democracy recently. Indeed they are doing favour to whole nation but ensuring their freedom of expression also!
Inspite of big talk, the PM is not taking bold steps. He must sack Pasha for going to London without informing his boss ie PM and informing the investigation the the Army chief first instead of PM. Civil or military disobedience is the the symbol of rot having set in. It must be stemmed right at the beginning.
One can blame PPP for everything but cowardice when it comes to taking a principled stand. The opponents of PPP cannot understand why do the poor masses elect PPP? They vote PPP into power because the PPP did not run away even after giving so many lives. It is about time that the elected govt stand up to the generals and fire them right away.