Raza Rabbani flays military interference in governance
Not one to play up internal conflicts or give sweeping statements, Senator Raza Rabbani made an exception on Saturday as he emphasised on the need for “proper and meaningful” consultations between the military and other state institutions.
“Our military is a very important state organ to safeguard national security, but it should come under the purview of parliament and democratically-elected people as mentioned in the Constitution. Military men overthrowing democratic governments should not be supported at all,” Rabbani told members of the Youth Parliament.
Tossing aside the idea of setting up an institution for national security, Rabbani maintained that the Parliamentary Committee on National Security (PCNS) should be scrapped as it was the brainchild of a military dictator. He added that instead of establishing a parallel body, the Defence Committee of the Cabinet (DCC) should be powerful enough to deliberate over such matters.
Rabbani also strongly critisised the military leadership for holding meetings with foreign diplomats. He said he had raised the issue a week earlier, but has not yet received a response from either the government or the army.
“Foreign envoys recently met army officials including intelligence chiefs, which is not a good sign in the broader view,” said the PPP parliamentarian.
“The army surely has its own views regarding national security, but these can be exchanged with military officials of other countries, not with civilians. The military should speak through the civilian leadership with foreign civilian leaders.”
Giving the examples of other nations, Rabbani said armies and judiciaries across the world abstain from such intimations to avoid criticism.
While articulating concerns that some elements were trying to revoke the 18th Amendment, Rabbani said the clause was here to stay as the masses were in favour of it. He added that the Amendment bridged the gap between the federation and the provinces.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 23rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (11)
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Why the democratic elected governments are scared to take disciplinary actions against army generals. Look at Recent actions in Egypt or Turkey where a number of military generals were dismissed in one stroke. If the government feels Army is stepping beyond its defined role take action against the people responsible and they would know thier limits.
Raza Rabbani is absolutely right. We need to establish civilian supremacy. But unfortunately, expediency reigns supreme. Do you remember what Memogate was all about? Hussain Haqqani was in favour of civilian supremacy. The Army wanted him out. Zardari refused. So, Army ganged up with Judiciary, Nawaz Sharif and Imran Khan to hatch a baseless conspiracy. The head of Haqqani rolled. It may continue to happen the same way in future. Still, it is good to hear saner voices like Raza Rabbani.
What's the use of his integrity when he knowingly reports to corrupt leaders... Even the dog on the street is aware of the castles in London and bank accounts In swiss that his leaders have amassed.. Integrity and principles go out of the window then.. Do the noble cause.. Quit and join pti or form your own..
Pakistan can never progress as long as the army calls the shots. Perhaps 50+ years ago the army started its interference out of good intentions, but today their intentions are surely colored by the fear of accountability: they do not want to be accountable for a vast economic empire, they do not want to be answerable for crimes committed in the last 54 years (such as breaking up the country, Kargil, kickbacks in arms procurement etc.), and they have become addicted to the the sweet taste of power. To maintain the status quo without appearing to be in charge. That is their policy, and this is what Senator Rabbani is alluding to.
He is right but I really wish our politicians were worth their salt,.
@Barooq: A man of what ...?? He is still part of the corrupt PPP government, he still is member of PPP CEC, and he has never spoken out against Zardari. So, where is his "integrity"?? Putting out a right statement once in every 6 months is not enough!!
I love this guy, Though he is far left and I am far right as far as our economics go, but this guy has never wavered from his principles. A true man of integrity.
they have to .. when you people cannot perform basic governance... complete failure is this current government
Mr parliamentarians, if an institution interfere in state matters, the governments don't complain but take actions.If you (politicians) don't know basic rules of governance then do a favour to this nation and quit.