Pakistan is going through a worst political divide and economic meltdown. An extremely complex and uncertain situation for 250 million citizens that has created multiple internal and external conflict conflicts, security challenges, and democratic erosion. The political chaos and economic instability deepened even after the regime change in April 2022 and furthered in the present interim government.
Realizing the situation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has started assembling the money pockets to resolve the historic economic crunch. Meanwhile, he is being questioned for his mandate to do so. Very Strange of the critics. Pakistan needs to cool down the political heat, narrow the political divide, and revive the economy. The gang of Pakistani politicians and economic experts have failed miserably to resolve the political and economic challenges. Every stakeholder and state institution has to play its role within the mandated jurisdiction. But, what is the harm if the COAS comes out to fix the situation when all other institutions have failed to perform? Instead of debating on such trivial issues, we all need to focus and contribute to economic and democratic revival.
Undoubtedly, the role of the army chief in Pakistan’s politics is a controversial and complex issue, as the army has been involved in several coups and interventions in the past. However, the army chief is considered the most powerful person in Pakistan due to the country’s geopolitical position and security dynamics. The new army chief, General Asim Munir, who was appointed in November 2022, faces many challenges and opportunities to help solve Pakistan’s problems.
At the moment, economic instability is the foremost challenge for Pakistan, and the army chief’s efforts are a pivotal support to the interim government’s measures to revive the economy that has been hit by the unwise political decisions, the COVID-19 pandemic, high inflation, low growth, and a debt crisis.
It’s appreciable that the army chief has gathered and convinced the country’s businessmen to play their role. He can also talk to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other international donors to facilitate and cooperate in the financial situation. These International Financial Institutions (IFIs) have been providing loans and aid to Pakistan on certain conditions, such as fiscal reforms, tax collection, and transparency. The army chief also has to protect the military’s own economic interests, which include a large network of businesses and industries that generate revenue for the defense budget.
Security challenge is the second most important issue at present. The army chief is leading from the front the fight against resurging terrorism and militancy, which pose a threat to Pakistan’s internal and external security. The army chief’s zeal to continue the military operations against various extremist groups shall be supported by all the political and social segments. The recent uprising of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), and the Islamic State (IS) is worrisome. They have been carrying out attacks on civilians and security forces. Without the support of civil institutions and organizations, it is hard for the army alone to manage the security situation along the borders with Afghanistan, India, Iran, and China, where there are potential conflicts and tensions. We need to put out a bit in the efforts the uniformed personnel are doing under the guidance of the army chief. Every citizen shall coordinate and cooperate with the intelligence agencies to gather information and conduct covert operations.
Thirdly, Pakistan’s muddled foreign policy needs to take a righteous and consistent course in harmony with national interests and priorities. No more adventures or misadventures, please. We have to have long-term strategic and development partnerships watching our own agenda. Like previous army chiefs, General Aim Munir is also playing its role in closing the ties with friendly countries. It is delivering undeniably because they believe in the central role of the army in Pakistan’s politics and economy, and the faith they have on the promises and commitments of the Establishment.
The army chief shall play a key role in shaping Pakistan’s neighbourhood foreign policy, and long-term allies. The army chief can maintain a constructive dialogue with India, with whom Pakistan has a long-standing dispute over Kashmir and other issues. Only the army can engage Afghanistan, where the withdrawal of US troops in 2021 has created a power vacuum and a resurgence of the Taliban. Pakistan’s ties with China may be strengthened by the efforts of wiping off the doubts the iron-friend have on the army’s interventions in the CPEC projects. China is Pakistan’s strategic partner and economic benefactor, so we have to improve our relations with China without compromising with the US, which have been strained by mutual mistrust and divergent interests.
Fourthly, Pakistan has to stop the democratic erosion. While seeing the army chief’s role in strengthening the economy and ensuring security on the borders and inland, questions and qualms come up on the possibility of undue fiddling by the establishment. Many rumours are already in the air. So, it is important to avoid further democratic erosion. Rather the country’s ultimate Power-Centre shall respect and uphold the democratic norms and institutions of Pakistan, which have been weakened by decades of military rule and interference. The army chief has to refrain from meddling in political matters or undermining civilian authority. He shall ensure that the military remains professional and accountable, and that it does not abuse its power or violate human rights. The country also needs to foster a culture of tolerance and pluralism within the military and society at large.
In the present scenario, all the state institutions shall coordinate and cooperate to be helpful in solving Pakistan’s challenges. They need to act as a responsible and constructive partner of the civilian government and society. The responsible behaviour and rational role of the superior judiciary cannot be undermined as well in the given situation. The politicized, influenced and motivated decisions have done too much of a dent to the political and social harmony. No more, please.
