The ruling Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) has faced a string of defeats in the by-elections which have exposed the faultlines within the party. Meanwhile, the Opposition, under the banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), has called the establishment neutral and accused the PTI of rigging the elections.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate in the Senate election Yousuf Raza Gilani and Rana Sanaullah have praised the Establishment, saying that the preliminary investigation did not find any evidence of Establishment’s interference in the by-elections.
Usually, people believe in the eloquent claim that democracy is the government of the people. Whatever happens in this regime just happens according to the will of the people. But the fact is that this is not a true picture of democracy. One of its parts is behind the curtains. This part is known as the Establishment.
The direction of any country is determined by its national security policy, and its basic framework is set by the Establishment. Those who advise the Establishment not to interfere in country’s affairs should always keep in mind that without security clearance no one can lead the state.
In Pakistan, the Establishment is accused of interfering in every sphere, including politics, but the current military leadership has openly reiterated that the Establishment has nothing to do with political affairs. Pakistan Army spokesman has repeatedly said in his previous press conferences that the army should not be dragged into political affairs.
Pakistan is facing severe difficulties not only on internal but also on external fronts. Due to its nuclear power, Pakistan has become an eyesore to many countries in the world, and even the most powerful countries are engaged in conspiracies against it.
There is no doubt that the army has played a major role in defending Pakistan on external fronts. However, the role of the Establishment in political circles has been viewed with suspicion due to interference in the past, and during the recent PDM movement, the opposition sharply criticized the military leadership. Nevertheless, the Establishment, instead of reacting harshly, maintained its neutrality and played its full role in ensuring the continuity of the democratic process in the country.
It is seldom seen in Pakistan that the government and the army are on the same page and fortunately the opposition is now acknowledging the neutrality of the establishment, which is a welcoming move for the country. There is a need for all the political leadership and the establishment to work together for the development of the nation so that democracy in the country can be further strengthened.
