Managed democracy is evident in Pakistan, and authority emanates from the so-called establishment, emphasized experts during an Express News talk show.
They highlighted that the choice of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to engage exclusively in discussions with the military is a practical acknowledgment of the existing political landscape.
“Over the course of Pakistan’s democratic history, it’s clear that democracy is managed by the establishment, attributed to the purported ineptitude of politicians,” stated Naveed Hussain, Chief Editor of Express Tribune.
Pointing to the failure of politicians to deliver, Hussain said they seek support from the armed forces for minor issues to natural catastrophes. “Fortunately or unfortunately, the role of the army is widely recognised” he added.
Hussain referred to the return of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif from London, and said it was only possible with a green signal from the establishment.
“This time Sharif spoke where he should have spoken and he was welcomed and now the way for power is being paved for PML-N” Hussain maintained.
The chief editor further asserted that all politicians are aware of the source of power and the appropriate channels for dialogue and pointed out that if Imran chooses to engage in discussions, he would direct his attention toward the locus of power in Pakistan.
Daily Express Group Editor Ayaz Khan also concurred with Hussain affirming that the establishment is the central power in the country’s political landscape. Khan further supported his assertion by citing the example of Sharif’s return to the country from London.
“It has been consistent from the beginning, Sharif was selected and appointed prime minister following his tenure as chief minister for the first time.”
Referring to the statements made by Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, Khan emphasised that the army chief had unequivocally stated that the army would determine which politician is right for the country.
The group editor also raised a pertinent question following COAS Munir’s recent statement, regarding who should the founder of PTI engage in dialogue with. He emphasised that engaging in dialogue with Asif Ali Zardari or Nawaz Sharif would not be beneficial for him.
Express News Islamabad Bureau Chief Amir Ilyas Rana criticised Imran’s statement, where he insisted on engaging in dialogue with the army, alleging that the dilemma of PTI’s founder is that he believes that he was brought in by the army.
“When Nawaz Sharif was ousted, it was through the collective actions of the army, judiciary, and at Imran’s request. In contrast, no-confidence votes from members were utilised to oust Imran Khan from power” claimed Rana.
He also underscored the importance of the May 9 tragedy, stating that Imran is suffering as a consequence of that incident, otherwise he could have taken an easy way out to save his party as a political leader.
“If you think you can come with the help of the army and then rule alone, that is not possible. Even the army couldn’t rule without the help of politicians” Rana said.
Rana, while referencing the statement of the COAS, clarified that if Imran is seeking assistance from the army for his release then there is a clear denial of such assistance from the other side.
Express News Karachi Bureau Chief Faisal Husain emphasized the puzzling necessity of Imran engaging in dialogue with the army, questioning the motives behind the events of May 9.
He questioned the rationale behind casting doubt on the military, branding them as hypocrites and traitors. Faisal called on the PTI founder to offer an apology and recognize the error in assuming authority over the military.
“The fact is that Nawaz Sharif returned after negotiating with the army, and now Imran Khan is also following that path. It’s evident that politicians opt for dialogue,” remarked Muhammad Ilyas, Express News Lahore Bureau Chief.
He highlighted that Imran has refrained from conversing with politicians while in power. Stressing the importance of political discussions, Ilyas emphasized that Imran should have participated in dialogues with politicians to rejuvenate the economy and overhaul the political system.
