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The recent statement by PM Shehbaz Sharif about being offered the Prime Minister’s position by former Army Chief General Bajwa and former DG ISI General Faiz Hameed has created quite a stir in Pakistan’s political arena. This statement has brought to light the role of the establishment in shaping the country’s political landscape.
It is important to note that the offer was allegedly made in July 2018, before the general elections of the same year, in which Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged victorious. PM Shehbaz Sharif’s claim that he was offered the position before Imran Khan has led to speculation about the establishment’s involvement in PTI’s ascension to power.
This is not the first time that the establishment has been accused of interfering in political affairs. Both the ruling political parties of PDM and PTI have alleged that the establishment caused the shutdown of the Results Transmission System (RTS) during the 2018 general elections. While one side claims that the establishment wanted PTI to rule, the other side says that the cause was to weaken PTI as a ruling party.
Journalist Hamid Mir’s question to PM Shehbaz Sharif about whether he would have accepted the offer had Imran Khan not become the Prime Minister, and the latter’s affirmative response, further reinforces the perception of the establishment’s involvement in shaping the country’s political landscape.
It is concerning that Pakistan’s establishment has been embroiled in politics, as it has become a dangerous game not just for the state but for the establishment itself. The former ruling party PTI and social media have played a crucial role in exposing the establishment’s role in politics.
The establishment should not indulge in politics and should focus on its primary responsibilities of protecting the country’s borders and ensuring national security. The civilian government should be allowed to function independently without any interference from the establishment.
It is important to note that the people of Pakistan have always had a deep love and respect for their armed forces. The establishment has played a crucial role in ensuring the security of Pakistan in the past era. The 1965 war is a prime example of how the people and the army came together to defend the country against the enemy.
However, the primary responsibility of the establishment is to protect the country’s borders and ensure national security. The politicians, on the other hand, are elected to govern the country and provide for the basic needs of the people. The position of the Prime Minister should be open to any capable individual who is elected by the people, regardless of their political affiliation.
The people of Pakistan vote for the safety of their basic rights, and it is the responsibility of the establishment to support democracy and not to interfere in civilian affairs. If the current system continues to prioritize the establishment’s interests over the democratic process, progress and development will be hindered. It is essential for the nation to uphold democracy and allow for fair and free elections without any external interference.
