Monday, May 13, 2013 - As a result of Election-2013, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) has come up as a majority party in the Centre and Punjab. The former ruling elite; Pakistan People Partythough lost General Elections, but, maintained its ascendancy in Sind Province. There has been a split mandate in KPK and Balochistan. Until a few days, prior to the conduct of election, there were many speculations, whether there would be a conduct of elections or otherwise. Many politicians and political analysts were of the view that, owing to uncertain security situation, the conduct of election would not be possible. Some analysts were even apprehensive about the role of Army, which otherwise fully supported the democratic process in last five years.
Amidst these speculations, Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani during his address on the occasion of Youm-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Day) on April 30, 2013, promised for the full support of Pak Army for the conduct of free and fair election. While rejecting the misgivings, General Kayani said that, “Allah willing, General Elections would be held in the country on 11th of May. We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it. This indeed is a golden opportunity, which can usher in an era of true democratic values in the country.”
Despite its commitment of combating terrorism, Pak Army provided full support to Election Commission of Pakistan during the conduct of elections. Pak Army deployed over 70,000 troops for the safety and security duties during the General Election-2013. Indeed, remaining in the confines of the Constitutional limits of Pakistan, Pak Army supported the continuation and strengthening of the democracy in Pakistan in last five years. This aspect was also highlighted by the Army Chief, on April 30, 2013, who said, “I assure you, that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution.” Pak Army ensured a fair conduct of election in 2008 and then provided it a constant support. Today, Pak Army has again pledged to strengthen the democracy and rule of law in the country. Indeed, “Like every Pakistani, Pakistan Army, in its humble capacity, has endeavoured to strengthen democracy in the last five years, with the hope that the next elections would steer the country towards betterment.”
While defining the road ahead, General Kayani said that, “In my opinion, it is not merely retribution, but awareness and participation of the masses that can truly end this game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship. If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system. Our salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistan is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests. Otherwise, may it be democracy or dictatorship; governance would continue to remain a means of self aggrandizement and that of plundering national wealth and resources.”
The task ahead is going to be rough and convoluted, as the country is facing multiple problems. Financially, it is at the verge of collapse. Over the years, its Industry has been ruined and local investors have moved their assets out of the country. There has been no foreign direct investment(FDI) in last few years. Besides, the governance system in the country has been at its worst, with corruption, nepotism and bribery at the rise. Owing to the worst power shortages, the load shading is at its peak in the country in the last few years. The worst power shortages have affected all sphere of life. Then, there is rampant unemployment in the country. It has become extremely difficult for a common person to meet its both ends.
The most important challenge, facing the country is the menace of terrorism and extremism, which is ever growing. Over 150,000 troops of Pak Army are deployed to combat terrorism. This fight against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war, as General Kayani said, “I would like to ask all those who raise such questions that if a small faction wants to enforce its distorted ideology over the entire Nation by taking up arms and for this purpose defies the Constitution of Pakistan and the democratic process and considers all forms of bloodshed justified, then, does the fight against this enemy of the state constitute someone else’s war?” Indeed, small groups of the militants who challenge the very constitution of Pakistan and writ of the state have to be dealt with iron hands. Besides domestic challenges, the nation is facing external threats, particularly foreign support to the terrorists.
The new government will have to formulate a consensus policy as already hinted by its leader. The policy should be nationalistic and all encompassing; taking into consideration the domestic andexternal factors. For a smooth sailing, the new Government will have to avoid a confrontational policy with its political opponents as well as with national institutions. Protection of lives and properties of all citizens of Pakistan, financial revival, establishment of merit system and provision of basic necessities to everyone should be the first priority of the new government. Besides, the new government will have the daunting task of improving the image of the country at international level. The nation has to wash the stigma of ‘breeding centre of global terrorism.’ For attaining this milestone, the terrorists will have to be dealt with severely and across the board. This is only possible, once we own the war against terrorism and continue combating it till all terrorists are eliminated and people’s lives are fully secured. Indeed, security is the bottom-line for all other achievements in the country.
Amidst these speculations, Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani during his address on the occasion of Youm-e-Shuhada (Martyrs’ Day) on April 30, 2013, promised for the full support of Pak Army for the conduct of free and fair election. While rejecting the misgivings, General Kayani said that, “Allah willing, General Elections would be held in the country on 11th of May. We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it. This indeed is a golden opportunity, which can usher in an era of true democratic values in the country.”
Despite its commitment of combating terrorism, Pak Army provided full support to Election Commission of Pakistan during the conduct of elections. Pak Army deployed over 70,000 troops for the safety and security duties during the General Election-2013. Indeed, remaining in the confines of the Constitutional limits of Pakistan, Pak Army supported the continuation and strengthening of the democracy in Pakistan in last five years. This aspect was also highlighted by the Army Chief, on April 30, 2013, who said, “I assure you, that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution.” Pak Army ensured a fair conduct of election in 2008 and then provided it a constant support. Today, Pak Army has again pledged to strengthen the democracy and rule of law in the country. Indeed, “Like every Pakistani, Pakistan Army, in its humble capacity, has endeavoured to strengthen democracy in the last five years, with the hope that the next elections would steer the country towards betterment.”
While defining the road ahead, General Kayani said that, “In my opinion, it is not merely retribution, but awareness and participation of the masses that can truly end this game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship. If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system. Our salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistan is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests. Otherwise, may it be democracy or dictatorship; governance would continue to remain a means of self aggrandizement and that of plundering national wealth and resources.”
The task ahead is going to be rough and convoluted, as the country is facing multiple problems. Financially, it is at the verge of collapse. Over the years, its Industry has been ruined and local investors have moved their assets out of the country. There has been no foreign direct investment(FDI) in last few years. Besides, the governance system in the country has been at its worst, with corruption, nepotism and bribery at the rise. Owing to the worst power shortages, the load shading is at its peak in the country in the last few years. The worst power shortages have affected all sphere of life. Then, there is rampant unemployment in the country. It has become extremely difficult for a common person to meet its both ends.
The most important challenge, facing the country is the menace of terrorism and extremism, which is ever growing. Over 150,000 troops of Pak Army are deployed to combat terrorism. This fight against terrorism is Pakistan’s own war, as General Kayani said, “I would like to ask all those who raise such questions that if a small faction wants to enforce its distorted ideology over the entire Nation by taking up arms and for this purpose defies the Constitution of Pakistan and the democratic process and considers all forms of bloodshed justified, then, does the fight against this enemy of the state constitute someone else’s war?” Indeed, small groups of the militants who challenge the very constitution of Pakistan and writ of the state have to be dealt with iron hands. Besides domestic challenges, the nation is facing external threats, particularly foreign support to the terrorists.
The new government will have to formulate a consensus policy as already hinted by its leader. The policy should be nationalistic and all encompassing; taking into consideration the domestic andexternal factors. For a smooth sailing, the new Government will have to avoid a confrontational policy with its political opponents as well as with national institutions. Protection of lives and properties of all citizens of Pakistan, financial revival, establishment of merit system and provision of basic necessities to everyone should be the first priority of the new government. Besides, the new government will have the daunting task of improving the image of the country at international level. The nation has to wash the stigma of ‘breeding centre of global terrorism.’ For attaining this milestone, the terrorists will have to be dealt with severely and across the board. This is only possible, once we own the war against terrorism and continue combating it till all terrorists are eliminated and people’s lives are fully secured. Indeed, security is the bottom-line for all other achievements in the country.
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