Why is the PML-Nawaz Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq endorsing a so-called perception of growing tension between the presidency and the GHQ. Has PML Nawaz already given up on democracy, and are going back to old ways of relying on the military to seize power and take care of things?
DAWN.COM | Pakistan | Army ?unhappy? over impasse: PML-N
Army ‘unhappy’ over impasse: PML-N
By Shahzad Raza
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz maintains close contacts with top military brass and concludes that President Asif Ali Zardari may face pressure from that side. ‘I have met several senior army officials, and they all are disappointed. I have concluded from these meetings that they are not satisfied with the policies of President Zardari,’ a senior PML-N Leader, who is known for his past military connections, told Dawn. The disqualification of Sharif brothers and imposition of governor’s rule in Punjab have brought the two political parties at daggers drawn. It also generates a debate if unlike its past the army would remain neutral.
The PML-N leader looked vague when asked if maintaining contacts with top military brass would mean preparations against the democratic government of the People’s Party. He claimed to have got interesting information of several meetings between the President and the army high command, especially those held in the aftermath of Mumbai terror attacks, last November. This statement may be interpreted that despite suffering persecution under General Musharraf’s rule, some top N-Leaguers still maintain a good rapport with important and influential people in the Khakis. However, Military Spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas refused to comment. ‘We don’t comment on the political statements. Please keep us out of it,’ he remarked when approached for comments.
Meanwhile, the PML-N Chairman Raja Zafarul Haq endorsed a so-called perception of growing tension between the presidency and the GHQ. ‘This is the right assessment of the situation,’ he made a brief observation. But he went on saying that another military intervention cannot be ruled out if similar deteriorated political situation persists in the country. He claimed the entire nation was in deep disarray after disqualification of Sharif brothers and imposition of governor’s rule in Punjab. ‘Army does not need any excuse to grab power. The current political turmoil is favourable for the military intervention. Therefore, it requires a great deal of maturity from the political forces,’ he observed.
The People’s Party spokesman, Farhatullah Babar, was not impressed with the comments made by the PML-N senior leaders. ‘Comments like this amounts to inviting non-parliamentary forces to intervene, this is regrettable,’ Babar told Dawn. He said the armed forces are subservient to the Parliament which is the supreme institution in the country. Official sources suggested that military top brass wanted an early resolution of the ongoing political crisis. The army might not take any side, but would keep on pressing the two sides to work out an early rapprochement.
Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, the PML-N Secretary General, made a rather direct statement claiming that the military high command was concerned at the fragile political situation. Asked if such statements by the PML-N would derail the democratic process, he said his party was not in favour of seeking help from the armed forces against President Zardari. He urged upon the armed forces to stay neutral at this juncture which, according to him, was essential to restore their tarnished image. ‘Let the final decision be taken in the court of people,’ he remarked.
Several political leaders have launched reconciliatory efforts, but the two sides seem to be poles apart. Although leaders from both sides are talking about the reconciliation, still the mechanism for the dialogue remains unclear. Farhatullah Babar was hopeful the two sides would work out a rapprochement soon or later. ‘We want reconciliation. And we will certainly overcome this crisis. And in spite of all this noise, I believe there has been a sense of maturity from all sides,’ he added.