Impression is of late being
created that Nawaz-led government in Islamabad and Gen Raheel-led military
leadership in Rawalpindi are not on a same page; there is a hell of difference
of perceptions, way of working and modus operadni to fight terrorism and deal
with matters of foreign policy. Many believe that this impression is wrong,
saying “this is the best part of politics being played by so far dubbed as a
‘goof’ Nawaz Sharif. Many others give, maybe rightly, credit to Gen Raheel for
playing so smart that it doesn’t look either way.
The analysts, particularly those interpreting the Aabpara wisdom, mince no word
against Nawaz and team, and make hero bigger than Gen Raheel, saying he is
dictating the terms of governance, and actually ruling from behind. They call it
a coup of a sort where the government is functioning at the behest of the army
chief who is directly dictating the foreign policy and whose ISPR is holding the
reins of media. Senior journalists complain that the government is not asserting
at all, and the ISPR is dictating terms to media men and anchorpersons.
All this may be true but one can’t say why it all looks stage-managed and indoor
both the leaderships are one. There is no meeting of high government level where
the Chief and other military leadership is not present. Likewise, PM Nawaz and
COAS Raheel visit and attend simultaneously events of national importance. The
body language doesn’t say a word against it. CPEC is apparently government’s
initiative and the outcome of Nawaz’s vision, but Gen Raheel Sharif is seen
owning it and vowing to protect it at all costs. While dealing with MQM, PPP,
Balochistan, Punjabi Taliban, LeJ, TTP, ISIS and even holding the bye-elections,
government and military seem to be on same page. Even the propaganda against
Nawaz government and banners or posters in favour of Army chief are a result of
a well designed and coordinated conspiracy.
Both the government and military leaderships must not yield to such designs and
continue working with harmony and close coordination, in the national interest.
There must not be any kind of ambiguity in relationship, so that rumour mongers
do not waste time. It is being said that the government, PPP and MQM have joined
hands afresh against the military leadership. Political contacts are a norm and
those who know Nawaz for the last many years, understand that his agenda
coincide with the army’s stance as far as his foreign policy goals are
concerned, particularly against India. He is the one for whom Ziaul Haq prayed
for longer life, given his contribution towards patriotism during Khalistan
movement days. He boldly went for nuclear tests, while the buttons are in
military’s hands. One has the understanding that this is the only consensus
government-establishment duo which decided everything, probably at the time of
Gen Raheel’s installing as army chief.