India and Pakistan became free from foreign rule together in 1947. Since then India has remained under democratically elected governments. However, Pakistan’s tryst with democratic practices has experienced intermittent army interventions. It begins with Ayub Khan, followed by Yahya Khan, Ziaul Haue and Parwez Musharraf. The tiger, which tastes human blood once, becomes more ferocious. So even a democratically elected prime minister in Pakistan is always afraid of his army. More so when he is Nawaz Sharif, who has the bitter experience of biting the dust at the hands of his army chiefs thrice.
Earlier in 1993,Genl Waheed Kakar had forced him to resign. On the heels of this misfortune, Genl Parwez Musharraf effected a coup and he was forced to pass time abroad in banishment. So immediately after he assumed the power this time, he was very careful to get rid of the ambitious Ashfaq Parwez Kayani who used to call the shots during the presidentship of Asif Ali Zardari. To Sharif’s good luck, Kayani, after managing an extension was in the sixth year of his tenure and due to retire on Nov 29, 2013. One thing was clear that the people at large were tired of military dictatorship and hence Kayani had no mood of trying any further misadventure. This gave Sharif sufficient leeway to make a patient search for a loyal army chief.
Accordingly he selected Lt Genl Raheel Sharif, aged 57 years to take charge from Kayani today (Nov 2013). The points in favour of Genl Rasheel was that he is reported to be related with the Prime Minister. Secondly, in the army circle he has an impression of being moderate. Thirdly, in his view, India is not the main enemy, but the internal chaotic environment needed a better handling. Lastly, prior to this new assignment, he was the Inspector General of Training in course of which, he gave emphasis on curbing militant jehadis. With these plus points, the Prime Minister is optimistic about a smooth sail. However, the selection has touched off a face off. The seniormost officer in line to succeed Kayani was Lt Genl Haroon Aslam who felt humiliated on being relegated to the third position in the hierarchy. Accordingly, he resigned forthwith.
The scenario being so, the ruling party is still suspicious about possible pinpricks from the armed forces. They are aware that Kayani, having ambition for power may try to destabilize Nawaz Sharif. To make the situation worse, even Haroon Aslam, feeling crestfallen may also try for some nefarious measures as a revenge. We in India, tasting the benefits of democracy, strongly wish Pakistan to emerge as a viable democracy.
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