May 05, 2019

Military dents democracy in Pakistan yet again

located:	Pakistan, Afghanistan
editor:	Shadi Khan Saif

The never-ending intrusion of Pakistan’s powerful army in political affairs continues to dent and undermine democratic principles from spreading roots in a country of some 200 million inhabitants.

In a war-like scenario last week, the army’s spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor lashed out at an indigenous rights movement, the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement by the ethnic Pashtuns, who have long been suffering the aftermath of terrorism and fundamentalism. He addressed the PTM leaders in a very threatening view through a press conference at the military headquarters, stating that “their time is up, their time is up”.

The Pakistan army spokesman went on to frame and cunningly clarify his position by saying, "But the instructions of the army chief will be fully followed. People will not face any sort of problem and neither will any unlawful path be adopted". Suggesting possible action against the PTM. "Everything will be done lawfully."

"You have enjoyed all the liberty that you wanted to", he added, addressing the PTM leadership.

This intolerant and dictating role of the Pakistan Army in political affairs comes from the 71 years of history of the country, more than half of which was ruled by military figures.

With a fast gained popularity, the PTM is a rights-based association that has been rather fiercely calling for the de-mining of the tribal areas, as well as demanding an end to the practices of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances and unlawful detentions by the security and spy agencies.

In paradox, Maj Gen. Ghafoor, of the Pakistan Army, acknowledged the persistent issues against which the PTM has been agitating. He said progress has been made in clearing mines, locating missing persons, and curbing extrajudicial killings. The PTM and its two elected parliamentarians, Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar, assert that the army is after them only because they want this powerful institution to be accountable for its deeds in regard to alleged involvement in these atrocities in the first place.

The country’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan, is on record saying Pakistan would no longer engage in supporting militants for strategic purposes. 

The latest threat by the Pakistan Army against this grassroots movement comes after a literal media blackout imposed on PTM out of fear of the military. Manzoor Pashteen, the charismatic young leader of the PTM was not even allowed to attend the funeral of his slain comrade.

The political forces in Pakistan need to push back against the ever-encroaching clutches of the army, which is evidently upset because of the newly-earned political liberty by the PTM.