In the serene environment of
Islamabad, it was believed to be a routine political gathering of PPP where
various political portfolios for KP were to be conferred by Asif Ali Zardari.
The presence of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, after a long absence from the political
scene, had made the event more vibrant. Everything seemed normal until Zardari,
who is believed to be a political guru and a proponent of political
reconciliation, rose to address the gathering. He had a different tone that day.
Zardari, who usually avoids confrontation, did not mince a word while leveling
charges against the military leadership apparently for tightening noose against
the top PPP leadership, including himself, on account of corruption. He warned
Gen Raheel to stop presenting lists to the media or else he will disclose the
list of corrupt generals since 1947 and make the entire country – from Karachi
to Khyber – come to a standstill. Reminding the COAS of his limited tenure of
three years and the permanence of political leadership at the helm of affairs,
he also made a mention of the Charter of Democracy and support extended to Nawaz
Sharif during the dharna crisis.
During the PPP government, Zardari maintained a very cordial relationship with
the military establishment and even took the credit of Swat operation. Army
provided support to his political government, during floods and even during
lawyers’ movement, and ensured continuity of democracy despite charges of
corruption on top leadership of the PPP. So much so the then troika of
President, COAS and Chief Justice was famous for reconciliatory politics.
Zardari even maintained his composure during critical time of death of Benazir
Bhutto and raised the slogan of Pakistan Khappay.
After the raid on Nine Zero by Rangers and subsequent arrests of target killers
and members of militant group, there is a growing pressure on the political and
military hierarchy to deal with militant groups of all political parties
involved in extortion of money, land-grabbing and other mafias across the board
without any discrimination. Press conference by DG Rangers highlighting the
volume of illegal money gathered through corruption and presentation of names of
alleged perpetrators to the Apex Committee for legal action has sent a shockwave
among the supporters and patrons of these culprits. Arrest of Ayan Ali, recovery
of two billion dollars from the residence of an ex provincial minister, recent
raid on Sindh Building Control Authority and a widely believed rumour that
Rangers are preparing to target Bilawal House has rung danger bell for the top
leadership of PPP and could therefore be the possible reasons for Zardari's
outburst.
This unexpected outburst has surprised both political analysts and the
politicians. Prime Minister, Defence Minister and Interior Minister, PML(Q) and
Imran Khan have condemned Zardari's comments against the COAS and Pakistan Army
as an institution. The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Armed Forces
for successful conduct of Zarb-e-Azb and National Action Plan. Expectedly, Chief
Minister Sindh who declares himself as Captain of Sindh Operation condemned the
Ranger's raid on Sindh Building Control Authority and declared it beyond the
mandate assigned to the Rangers. The confrontation with Army is likely to dilute
support to PPP and alienate them from their political allies.
To make the justice fair and across the board, the onus of accountability should
rest with the political government duly assisted by the concerned institutions.
Over the period of time both political elite and bureaucracy have started
considering themselves above the law. Rule of law is only there for the common
people. Corruption is so deep rooted and has made so much ingress in our society
that it has gradually become an accepted norm. Our politicians proudly boast off
having remained in jail for a number of times on charges of corruption, making a
mockery of Article 62 of the Constitution which defines the eligibility
criterion for the candidates of Constituent Assemblies. Unless we get rid of the
corrupt leadership, our country cannot achieve sovereignty and its rightful
place among the comity of nations.
It would be appropriate if the lead role on War on Terror and National Action
Plan is taken over by the Central Government and Army and other LEAs are only
involved in execution of the plan to help eliminate terrorists, target killers,
money launderers, land mafia, abductors, smugglers and their supporters
remaining behind the scene and out of the limelight. Respective interior and
information ministers should apprise the media and general public on the
progress of National Action Plan. Similarly, instead of organizing press
conferences by DG Rangers and other on ground commanders central press briefings
by ISPR should be arranged. We as a nation need to maintain and uphold the
sanctity of Armed Forces at all costs without compromising on security of
motherland both from internal and external threat. (ENDS)
(The author is Islamabad-based defence analyst, writes as a freelance)