Daily Times

I am sure I have pointed out earlier as well that, in Chinese, wishing somebody to live in interesting times, is considered to be a curse. I am even more certain that I have also mentioned earlier that Pakistan, so far, seems destined to live under this curse. Having been ‘out of circulation’ for the past few weeks, I am no end pleased to note that nothing has changed much in the interim. Pygmies are still as short as ever and, the very few giants among people still stand taller than life.

I am fully aware of how petty the ‘one-upmanship’ can be anywhere in the world and conscious of how undignified individuals, uniformed or not, can be in such matters of protocol and comparativeness in Pakistan. I am also as aware of the nuances of various actions in Pakistan, as any other.

There is absolutely no doubt that in Pakistan, the army chief is the most powerful man in the country. Given the right circumstances he can intervene and take over at a moments notice. Whether he will is a matter of choice

While ‘it all’ started well before this country came into being but, the current events of note probably began when the army chief decided to brief the Senate. It was a good, appropriate and, very timely gesture which deserved silent appreciation. Silent because most soldiers, serving or retired, would refer to it as ‘magnanimous’; an adjective, as undeserved as any that might be used by civilian counterparts.

I continue to find myself as disappointed by the reactions of soldiers as I am with the reaction of some of our politicians whom I thought well of. Of particular note, in this context was the crowing delight with which it was received by the Chairman Senate, Raza Rabbani, whom I thought of as more dignified. His delight at having established ‘civilian supremacy’ was as undignified, if not more, than those who thought the gesture was magnanimous.

There is absolutely no doubt that, in Pakistan, the army chief is the most powerful man in the country. Given the right circumstances, he can, at a moment’s notice, intervene and take over, or not. Whether he should, or even will, is a matter of constitutional rights/duties or one of choice. But the mere fact that he can, whether or not he will, makes him a man to fear. It is from this position that, he can, more easily than any other, afford to make gestures which seem magnanimous.

Having said all that, it is important to point out that, this generation of senior army officers has been at pains to reassure the government and the nation that, the threat of intervention is merely latent not one that will be carried out. But if that be the case, the army will continue to point out its concerns on politico-economic matters of import in private and, where necessary, in public.

While this might seem interference by the military in matters beyond their domain; given the rather peculiar balance between the military and the government in Pakistan, this seems fair. But, the point of note in my earlier contention is the fact that ‘this generation’ of army officers has been at pains to reassure elected representatives and the nation that there is no real possibility of intervention. This decision is not individual, but institutional.

It is important to point out that this generation of senior army officers has been taken great pains to reassure the government and the nation that the threat of a military coup no longer exists

It is in this context that the comments of the highly unworthy Saad Rafique touched the military where it hurt. I agree that the ISPR DG’s response was needlessly brusque; but soldiers are not skilled in diplomatic subtleties. And in the wake of consistent efforts by the institution, Rafique’s comments were more than uncalled for. On the other hand, Rafique has a record of petty comments in support of the dethroned Sharif. Perhaps his comments merely deserved a derogatory smile, followed by an off-the-record comment.

But the army has its own banes too. And Musharraf could hold his own against any Rafique at any given time. Admittedly, the part played by the entire PPP, and particularly the Zardari, in sweeping the inquiry on Benazir’s murder under the rug is highly suspicious, to say the least. And Bilawal can be an especially obnoxious specimen of humanity. But does that make him worth a direct response by Musharraf? And, a response of that quality?

Musharraf was the ‘all-powerful’ at the time Benazir was murdered. And as someone who waxed so eloquent on issues of ‘unity of command’ [and responsibility, I presume], he should be the last person to disclaim responsibility. But trust Musharraf. Suddenly he has discovered that there could have been ‘rogue elements’ in the military during his command and poor little Musharraf is not responsible for their presence. No wonder. He can neither be disclaimed by us former soldiers, asked to stop making such statements. The best the ISPR could do, was to point out that he is ‘now a politician’. He isn’t. At least, not a good one. Just as he wasn’t a good soldier.

I am intrinsically, a genuine democrat. But I am also a soldier. I love this country and I believe that soldiers, soldier, and serve. They do not rule. I knew Gen Musharraf well. And I regret that I did.

The writer is a retired brigadier. He is also former vice president and founder of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)

Published in Daily Times, December 31^st 2017.