In a strongly worded speech in the parliament, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said on Thursday that the military is subservient to the parliament and will remain so.
The PM’s remarks came amidst growing rumours that a military coup was on the cards, posing threats to the current government. Dismissing such rumours, Gilani said “I want to make it clear today that conspiracies are being hatched here to pack up the elected government.”
Responding to reports suggesting that defence ministry conceded to the Supreme Court that it had no control over the armed forces or ISI, the prime minister took aim at the military in strong words.
“If they say that they are not under the ministry of defence, then we should get out of this slavery, then this parliament has no importance, this system has no importance, then you are not sovereign.”
Will the PM’s statements be effective in diffusing the rumour mill regarding a military coup?
How will the military respond to the remarks made by the prime minister and the defence ministry?
Should the military be accountable to the elected government?
How will this parliamentary speech affect the political situation of the country?
Dawn.com invites its readers to give their views and suggestions.
I am very amused to hear from prime minister of Pakistan that Army is going to take over. Democracy is a biggest joke of the century in Pakistan, it was Democracy card played by Mujib and Bhutto that caused the partition of Pakistan and millions of people died. Now these two Zardari and Gilani are playing the same game with the Army and Pakistan. To cover up there crimes they are diverting the attention.
wrongs were done by Ayub and Yahya and not Mujeeb and Bhutto.
Many congratulations go to PM who not only refreshed many corrupt to the core generals’ memory about their constitutional role, but also made it clear that they are accountable to Parliament. They are not judges, jury and at the same time executor of their decisions. Under which law and under which authority they have the right to take over civilian government.
Corruption, bad governance and non-implementation of courts decisions etc cannot be made pretext for any unconstitutional act. They are destroying Pakistan’s economy without any accountability. They must be held accountable before public representatives. They must be answerable for all their transgressions, crooked practices, capturing and persecuting extra judicially, and plundering tax payers money for making their own state within the state.
Well said Mr. Chohan
Congratulations will be in order if the sentiment was genuine. I feel that the present government is desperately and actively seeking some way to invite the army without being blamed for it. With army stepping in they have a chance to return in few years. If army does not they are not only gone for good but also will face punishment for their actions. I sincerely hope that the army (no noble soul in itself) does not fall for it and allow them to be ousted by ballot. That will pave the way for regular elections and hopefully better quality people coming in gradually.
I would commend the PM for stepping up and taking on the military only if he wasn’t himself corrupt (or did not represent a corrupt government) – unfortunately it is day late and dollar short.
Can the country be protected and defended without the generals and the army? Can Zardaris and Gilanis be shield and protection of the country? These Zardaris and Gilanis are also paid from the same exchequer. Aren’t they? What is the difference in their pay checks and armed forces pay checks?
I was a student of International Relations once and took great pain in advocating democracy when everybody around me would shun away to say a thing about military and martial-law. My view was, military has no business administering the civilian population. However, over the years I have come to conclusion that their should be some kind of deterrence against the rogue politicians in a country like Pakistan where votes are taken through coercion and bribery. Where masses don’t have free will to elect clean politicians into the office. Current government in Pakistan is corrupt and inept. The have caused much damage to Pakistan in last three-and-half years which has no precedence in through out the history of it. Mr. President and Mr. Prime Minister have no right to engage in conspiracy against the State. If they indeed involved in hatching a conspiracy against Army or the state of Pakistan itself, then they should be tried out for treason and the harshest punishment possible be meted out to them, period.
I am amazed at some of the comments. If the civilian government was doing a proper job and looking after the people and the foreign affairs in a respectable manner I would be backing them. Mismanagement, corruption and irregular practices are rampant at every level of establishment.
Our discussion is not a theoretical one but a Pakistan specific where the political leaders are sold out to foreign powers our only saviour is the Army which has been the backbone and the rescuer of the last resort.
Knowing the strengths of our enemies we should not allow our Army to be demoralized by a corrupt civilian Government.
Unfortunately the army is as corrupt as the civilians. We need honest civilian leadership to take control of the destiny of the country.
If the civilian government was doing the foreign affairs and the defense — I would certainly have castigated them for doing a bad job of both — but unfortunately they are not managed by the civilians, they are the domain of the Army now — now can we criticize the army for the mess on both counts?
The clever game of the incumbent government is to somehow bring the army in without being blamed for it. This way they can leave the country to the Army for some years and return with a fully trained famous Bilawal to take over. If a proper political process carries on, these guys are out for ever. We should work towards that they face the ballot in due time. Army will do a great service to nation to ensure that and not fall into the trap of take over now.
If army is the only solution why not keep them forever and dissolve all political parties. Truly we only deserve dictatorship, because our mindset is fit for that.
There you go…typical irrational comments. I don’t think a single Pakistani is demoralizing army herein. Every Pakistani love and proud of their army as long as they remain army and not ruler of the people. All are reminding that Army have no business in running the government.
Corrupt civilian government are the result of civil bureaucratic and military alliance that ruin democracy in Pakistan. Because, democratic institution can not flourish under dictatorship as there is no one to answer like parliament. Establish by the people and for the people of the land. That is where law is made and we are all suppose to follow that law call “the constitution”
Mr Islam, In case the civil government and army are both are not doing a proper job and looking after the people and foreign affairs in a respectable manner then would you invite back the British or any outsider to govern your country ? I am sure NO. Similarly Sir if the constitutionally elected Govt is not functioning well then there is never ever a justification for Army to become rouge and get on top of their own masters. It is some thing like that on the pretext that master is not running the business properly servants of the shop get together to capture the business. Your problem is the problem of all democratic countries. At one time or the other every country has faced corruption. India is also facing huge corruption to day but answer is not Army Generals. Pakistan has not gained in any way by their rule. They have never looked after the common man. They have never run your foreign policy in a respectable manner. Only thing is what they do common man never comes to know.
Well said Vinod, Hope many people can understand this.
The civil Government, Supreme Court and the Army are all independent institutions and no one should try to control the other.
However, if one of these institutions is failing to deliver don’t you think it is the duty of the others to correct that within the bounds of democracy?
Pakistan is ready for a Change and that is what is required to take it out of the woods. I do not wish to compare Pakistan with any other country as the enemies of Pakistan have created specific problems and the Government and the Army has to face and counter those problems.
We should now come out of this mantra and weighing scale “If Civilian setup is corrupt and unable to perform, somehow it justifies a military takeover/intervention. The last two years in India have been very difficult in terms of corruption charges and many decisions to open retail economy were taken back. If this would have happened in Pakistan the rmour mill would have shouted at full throttle for Military take over. But this is not the case. Because it has been proven time and again that military regimes are more corrupt and make a mess of governance. The only weapon they have is that they are good at media management and massaging the information.
PM’s speech in this sense is a good sign that at least agencies and man in uniform would be exposed even if they are thinking of trying to change governemnt. It is no job of military to pass judgements on civilian setup. Thats why we have elections and opposition.
Well said, sir!
I’m amazed how people have such a short term memory loss. If the government was doing a proper job, we wouldn’t have sucha situation to begin with.
it is time army followed the law and constitution it swore to protect!blaming civilians for all evil is just too easy.
I hope that our army is not that dumb to fall in the trap of a take over at this stage. The incumbent set is trying to find a way out. Army take over suites them the best. Think why?
Gilani’s speech is sure to upset the army. The real issue is that the army has power but has remained outside civilian control. The army has no reason to change the status quo but civilian politicians would like to do so. Gilani has rightly questioned the security apparatus’s credentials if it allowed Osama to live, for years, in its backyard. However, given Pakistani army’s frequent coups, another coup can be expected at any moment.
It is a calculated deliberate attempt to provoke the army. These guys know that they will not win. If a new set comes in they are gone for good. It is far better for them to bring army in (without them being blamed) and return in power after a few years. I hope Pakistan army can see through it.
Since 1947 Pakistan has seen many military governments. And thanks to a military leader that we are talking about Pakistan. During military rules Pakistan has been more established than civilian rules. History show that civilian rulers were more corrupted in all forms. Armed forces has some rules and regulations for which they care for. As a matter of fact military has its own parliament. So civilian parliament and armed forces has two different identities. And establishment has the leaders of these two identities. Pakistan has not yet become so much politically aware that only civilian govt. can take her ashore.
Therefore The Two identities has to work together to solve the problems of Pakistan. O, you people of Pakistan open your eyes with honesty.
Be that as it may. A move from the army now will be very naive. Present government is looking for ways to do just that. If that happens the political process in Pakistan will stop yet again and we will have the present set back in power after 7 or 8 years. Do we want that? Let them be defeated at the ballot.
Seconded what has been said.
We want corruption free and loyal leadership either from democracy or from dictatorship, this government has a worst record in this case. In my opinion development in dictatorship was better then in democracy. Democracy in in third world countries with little exception of some countries, is a dictatorship of certain feudal or millionaire families. This western democracy is good for the countries where they have 100% literacy and good awareness record.
This time the army will not take over but might use the back door by using Imran khan and Shahbaz Sharif. Be prepared for another showdown between the army and PPP.
Give this one a thought. If army comes in now it will actually save the skin of PPP. That is why army is being deliberately provoked by incumbent government. If another party wins the election, PPP or at the very least its corrupt leadership is gone for ever. I hope army does not intervene and let these guys be booted out at the ballot.
I totally agree with Mr. Ishtiaq…no second thoughts about this, military has to be accountable to the elected governmant…no more no less..!!!!why have’nt we learnt from our past till yet?? and whats more disturbing is that our politicians are not united on this stand..i am not favoring Zardari n considers his govt to b extremely corrupt but this in no way suggests that we should allow one of the govt’s arm to overtake it..only the people of Pakistan have the right to decide for their rulers…its high time that we should stand united for the democratic institution otherwise a heavy price would be paid by us all indeed.
This time the army is being manipulated into a take over. Present government knows that they will not win. They also know that if a new political process starts they are out for good. They want the process to be disrupted and army take over for some time so their doors remain potentially open. I hope that does not happen and these guys face judgement at the ballot.
off course no body in Pakistan wants military coup of any kind. But in fact these people who are sitting in power have made this country a dead nation, no body is taking responsibility for the destruction of the premier institutions and common folk is suffering like hell. so what other option the poor people of this land have. PPP has ruined this country from its roots. May Allah bless Pakistan.
I appreciate the PM for having the guts to tell the truth. At the time of passing out the officers and the soldiers take oath in the name of Holy Quran to serve the Govt of the day. It is high time the Army live to the oath taken in the name of Holy Quran.
Let the democracy mature if you want Pakistan to be a strong nation.
The guys in power know their end is near. If they lose election, they are gone for good. If army moves in now, these guys will return after a few years for an army take over will kill the alternatives more. I hope our army can see this manipulation.
Hi
No country will see prosperity with out a strong democratic government, fortunately Pakistan got a brave,
straight forward PM,any attempt to military coups will affect the future of the country severely. So there will be no global support to the military govt,it will affect all class of people in the country
Regards
Jeyaraj
The so called brave comments by PM are right BUT asking others to follow the law is very easy. Have his government has followed any legal or moral law. They have ruined every thing in Pakistan, all institutions. They even made money from Haj arrangement. This PM has bought hotels in Malaysisa. No body knows from where money came. His son move in a bullet proof car. The way he visited his corrupt colleague Mr. President Zardai last week in Karachi by clogging almost whole traffic system in the city. They are even worst than dictators. The PPP government has made this country one of the most miserable place to live in this world. With such administration/corruption record, Mr PM has no moral ground to ask other institution follow the law. LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE IS A PROVERB, most probably not for Pakistan.
Brave and straight forward!!! I wish this was true. Pakistan army this time is being manipulated into take over by the these brave men. They know that the coming ballot will oust them for ever. They want army take over to stop the political process. they want army to keep theirs seats warm for few years. Just enough time for Bilawal to mature. What better use of this waiting time than to fight for the restoration of democracy in his homeland. Imagine the international profile this will give him and what a majestic return after a few years. All that will not happen if the political process continues. I hope Pakistan army displays some wisdom
Army with all its sincerity and honesty backed twice politicians to govern,first after death of Zia ul Haq and now after Musharraf with more vigour because un democratic governance was never a legitimate way to face the world.American were very comfortable with that kind of set up rather mis used Pakistan and it remained base for Americans all clandestine activities in all our countries. During this era Americans have planted their well wishers and now having roots in our every department of governance,system as well as in the defence forces and only because of our poor counter intelligence and screening.For some times they go in hibernation now they have again emerged but little late.people like Hussain Haqqani and Mrs are main source of trouble they doing as told by their master and maligned and pitched the top command of the country against each other.Therefore our sovereignty has slavery within our system purely lot of planted rats have free access in our power corridors to pitch our leaders against each other.
The childish behavior of Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani and the President Zerdari is giving appearance to the rest of the world that Pakistan is a very weak nation. May be Prime Minister is being used by the President, but one of them is aware of the memos. President’s past compels me to believe he is quite capable of selling nation to save his job. If the memos don’t exist than why the President and Prime Minister are so worried. I am not a fan of Pakistan Army but logical approach would have been to allow the due process to take place instead of confusing the nation. From distance it appears the memos exist and this is a real tragedy for Pakistan. I hope I am wrong but if the memos exist than PM and the President should be dismissed through the due process and justice should be done on both of them. It is simply a matter of time, people of Pakistan are fed up with current political structure and change is needed to bring back Pakistan to its glory. In my opinion it is in the best interest of Pakistan to get rid of PPP and bring in real leadership and patch up the relationship with USA on equal grounds.
Saythetruth, I agree & support your point of view 100%.
Yes, they both (PM & the president) know the memogate & I include Hussain Haqqani also.
This is a TREASON. therefore, All three 1. president 2. prime minister 3. Ambassador Haqqani. they must be tried with due civil & military courts. They have done a crime to the Nation of Pakistan and the mother land of Pakistan.
1) memo is not treason but in due process should be our right.
2) SC is not due process but inquiry by govt and if memo found, case begins from trial court.
3) no one against change in due process and unconstitutional.
4) Z anti cant dot it constitutionally, so thinks unconstitutional as constitutional.
5) They r doing what they did with Zaib.
No doubt that Pakistan has no future without military submitting itself to the civilian control and totally de-politicising itself. But what about the political power when they are controlled by the foreign powers and their interests. The people sitting in the parliament has no character they have no love for the country and for the people by whom they get elected. They consider the poor masses as fool. They possess dual nationality. After completing their term and gathering the wealth they proceed to their safe heaven. Now is the time for the democratic government to bring some real changes in the democratic set up of the country if they really want military to be under the full control of civil government. Otherwise let military rule this country, whose officers at least does not have dual nationality and are more patriotic than these political leaders whose butter and bread is sent from overseas.
For the first time in my life, a Pakistani politician has earned my respect and my vote.
Amir
Incredible. You don’t care about competence. The situation in Pakistan
has worsened. There is shortage of everything and this incompetent government
has no action plan to ameliorate it. What would this govt. of bumblers do if
the army submits to it and control the nuclear weapons.
It will be courageous of PM to admit to the nation that the govt has failed to
deliver services and apologize.
In a democracy military has got arole to be decided by parliament and has to be accountable to it.They can not decide by themselves what they should do.
This is all happening because of weak federal government. The powers of the Pakistani military need to be drastically reduced. But this will take time. In the meanwhile we need to continue with a few fair and free elections, down the line. It is also important that Pakistanis learn how to live simple and austere lives, free of hypocrisy and show.
One of the best comments.
Thank you Jalaluddin for summarizing the whole debate. It was just perfect.
First principal of democracy is the civilian control of military. If it is absent then everything is fake. If Pakistan is to gain respect of world community it has to bite the bullet.
PAKISTAN is not for coup , we love ARMY but not in the GOVT ARMY stay away from administration
we love civil GOVT even it is bad ….
let PAKISTAN grow by people , ARMY has to look after security of the country that is it . NO ARMY what so ever.
shah jee good,I appreciate your comment being a retired soldiers,civilian govt has develop merit and sincerity in its acts across the board before speaking loud,Hussain Haqqani has done a blunder,one should be thank full to ALLAH ,the rascal forgot to sign the memo.
There are very little chances, the PM’s speech will be able to defuse prevailing political rumor mill. Our fun deprived people are too addicted to urdu media to listen to the reason and logic. Vested interests are too deep dug to think in national perspective. The only answer to all ills of a country is one and only one, the “Democracy”. Too bad the nation elected Mr. Zardari and the Peoples Party to run the country. During the past four years, army generals through ISPR releases, have conveyed their difference of opinion on many national issues , which I believe was taken in the spirit of democracy. In recent history there is no single example in the world where a subordinate organ of the Government has gone public in airing their differences. This is the first time this Government has shown it’s frustration publicly. Too bad, the generals will have to and should take it in stride. An elected Prime Minister can’t be treated as a slave. Though, old habits die hard, It’s time we enter in to the era of civilization, logic and serenity.
great comment
When looking towards civil govt.The condition of country is deplorable.one thing that comes into mind the family politics going in our native is also a civil dictatorship they think not for nation but their future planning how they are to occupy once again in parliment .such type of their behavior has made the mind to accept the army contribution for the prosperity in our homeland.
The count down has begun .!
Pakistan armed forces are under the elected govt. Surely a coup is not at desirable nor practical these days. But govt itself is acting like an absurd, giving invitations to US for reining Army and ISI and then statements as if govt is a weak govt. PM’s latest statement shows that govt is not in full control of the situation and they are confused( since ever).
Defence Minister confesses that he is incapable and he should be removed from his post as he can not control departments under his ministry.
(1) Taxpayers pay taxes to fund the government. Even internal and external borrowings are ultimately paid by the taxpayers.
(2) The government, through Budget, pays the salaries and expenses of the Army and also pays for the acquisition of arms by the Army.
(3) The army buys arms from the funds provided to it by the government, which itself was funded by the taxpayers.
(4) The Army uses the arms against the same taxpayers who provided funds for the army through their government to acquire the arms.
Yet Army is the only one who are patriotic and others are all traitors !!!!!
As the government pays the salaries to the army, there is an employer / employee relationship. Would you allow your employee to take over your company? Would it not be simple disloyalty of the employee? This is the question one should answer.
Another point to note is that if the Army takes over, it shall make enemy of most of the world and probably most of its citizens. This would severely less funds available, either from internal sources or from external sources. Would the Army be able to survive and protect Pakistan with such limited funds. The only option available to the Army in such case would be to sell or lease parts of the country, such as the instances of leasing of air bases and long-term leasing of fertile agricultural land to Arabs. Would it serve the interests of the country’s sovereignty ?
ARMY needs to be decentralized.. There are three divsions (ARMY, Navy, Airforce)..
All three generals cannot talk to each other but only to president..
If ARMY revots, may be president/primeminited can use Nava/Airforce to control ARMY.
It should be done in phases so civilian govt can run the country..
For God sake, why do you want to make fun of our security system.