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‘Military unlikely to pressure new president’

* Analyst says army realises political interference will not help military or country

ISLAMABAD: President-elect Asif Ali Zardari is unlikely to face the same level of military pressure as former premier Benazir Bhutto did during her two terms in office, analysts said.

The military, that has ruled Pakistan for around half its 61 years of existence, most recently under former president General (r) Pervez Musharraf, remains a potent force.

But analysts said Zardari’s civilian rule would not be impeded as long as he did not interfere or challenge the military doctrine.

“The army has decided to co-exist with the present political realities and leadership,” military analyst General (r) Talat Masood said.

Won’t help: “They realise any meddling in politics will be very much misunderstood and will not be helpful to their own institution or [in the country’s interest].”

As president, Zardari will head the National Command Authority, which safeguards the country’s nuclear weapons. However, the reality is that the armed forces will have firm control of the atomic arsenal.

“The military will still be in charge of the nuclear asset,” Masood said.

“But with no immediate moves to impeach Musharraf, the military will give the new president the backing he needs to rule without hindrance,” said political analyst Hasan Askari.

“So far, Zardari has maintained cordial relations with the military top command and taken care of their sensitivities,” Askari said.

“The army will show acceptance and see how things play out with Zardari as supreme commander of the armed forces. They have given him political space and are likely to stay within their professional domain.”

“The army needs political support for the war on terrorism and would expect the president to ensure that the civilian government backs its aims,” Askari said.

While Zardari’s recent rise to power had been smooth the pressures of office would put him under strain in coming months, said Islamabad University Peace and Conflict Studies head Riffat Hussain.

“The army realises it has been too visible in Pakistani politics for too long, and that it is time for it to retreat,” Hussain said.

“But there will be people who look on the army as the final arbitrator in decision making. The relationship will be severely tested by the internal and external security threats that Pakistan is facing.” afp

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