NAWAZ SHARIF AND MILITARY

By Prof Dr. Sohail Ansari

Conceived and worded by Prof DR Sohail Ansari (originality of concepts and originality of words).

He believes that there can never be a zero scope for improvement and appreciates criticism if it is not for the sake of criticism.

·         Nawaz’s  attempt to use army as an instrument to target PPP workers created tension between Nawaz and military which was worsened by allegations that the government tried to ‘buy off’ the Army Chief and senior commanders with substantial material rewards. Nawaz’s confrontation with president alienated military and it sided with latter when he who dismissed the government on charges of corruption, nepotism, terrorizing opponents, violating the Constitutions and subverting the armed forces authority.(1)

Sharif returned to power in Feb 1997. Army cooperated with him on 13^th amendment; and Army Chief, General Jehangir Karamat. did not object either at government decision to ask the Naval Chief to resign after his alleged involvement in defense-deal kickbacks. Army also refused to side with the President in his confrontation with Prime Minster, who consequently decided to resign.  The failure of Nawaz’s government to maintain economic and political stability and civic peace and order; and his intolerance toward other opposition leaders and lust for Power suited only to despot provoked military to exercise its capability to veto Pakistan’s transition to democracy on 12^th Oct 1999.    

Democracy from 1988 to 1999 was not controlled democracy. Army played the role of moderators. It interfered not to control but to correct politics and tried to convince the both rulers by appealing to their reasons; but democratic governments failed to civilianize their rule; and continued to pursue vendetta and witch hunt, and left no stone unturned in eliciting_ though failed__ the cooperation of army in this regard.

When parties cease to regard people as fountain of power; and seek perpetuation of power through heavy-handed tactics; media campaign automatically become superfluous and irrelevant.

1.            Moore, ‘From Jinnah to today’ Munich, Windus Press, 2008,  554-562