A Country on Edge: Navigating Pakistan’s Political and Military Crossroads

A Nation in Turmoil

In recent days, the incident of Mr. Intizar Hussain Panjotha’s abduction, detention, and subsequent recovery has ignited a profound outcry, not just in Pakistan but globally. This isn’t an isolated event; it marks the latest in a series of high-profile disappearances and reappearances that have plagued Pakistan’s civil society. While others were swift to release commentary, I decided to wait, gathering facts and observing the reactions that flooded social media and newspapers alike.

Hundreds of influential voices have taken to platforms like Twitter, voicing their outrage and frustration. Yet, strangely enough, mainstream media in Pakistan offers only a murky portrayal of events. The level of indignation speaks volumes, revealing questions and dilemmas that are deeply uncomfortable for the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

The Growing Divide

A disturbing trend has emerged among some groups in Pakistan, including sections of the media and political entities with ties to influential political parties like the PPP and PML-N. After each controversial incident, they downplay its significance, often drawing parallels to incidents from past decades. From accounts of Nawaz Sharif’s encounters with the authorities to the detention of Rana Sanaullah, these individuals weave a narrative suggesting that Pakistan has always been this way.

But here’s the reality: Pakistan has NEVER been this way.

The scale, frequency, and intensity of the events unfolding now are unprecedented. For decades, these groups have been critical of Pakistan’s Armed Forces. Ironically, today, they find themselves allied with a regime that actively targets those sections of the population that traditionally support the military. With every abduction, arrest, and media restriction, the divide widens, leaving a significant portion of Pakistan’s population feeling alienated.

A Nation in the Grip of Fear

Consider this: the entire country feels like a battlefield. Previously, insurgency and unrest were confined to specific regions like Balochistan and FATA. Today, even traditionally stable provinces like Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are entangled in the chaos. This is a dangerous trajectory that no external military force has ever had to deal with on its soil for such a prolonged period.

For the majority of Pakistan’s military, this situation is distressing. An institution traditionally focused on defending borders now finds itself enmeshed in internal unrest. The moral and psychological toll is undeniable, affecting the army’s unity and discipline. The constant involvement in civilian affairs erodes the very ethos upon which Pakistan’s military was built.

The Role of Intelligence

Many, including myself, believe that Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency, the ISI, plays a central role in managing these operations. While intelligence agencies are crucial to national security, their prolonged involvement in internal affairs risks creating an unchecked and unsupervised “rogue” element. For Pakistan’s military to regain stability, it is vital to reconsider the separation between the army and its intelligence wing.

Institutions like the National Defense University, the Command and Staff College in Quetta, and even the General Headquarters must examine these questions. It is their duty to analyze how internal engagement impacts morale, discipline, and, ultimately, the sustainability of Pakistan's defense capabilities.

Learning from Other Nations

The lessons are not limited to Pakistan’s borders. In democratic countries like the United States and India, military involvement within civilian domains is carefully regulated. The U.S. military has seldom engaged in domestic conflicts since its Civil War. When American forces encountered discipline issues abroad, exhaustive inquiries followed. The Pentagon Papers are a testimony to the American military’s introspection after their experience in Vietnam.

In neighboring India, the military’s involvement in regions like Jammu and Kashmir is limited to well-defined roles. Although they have faced backlash, each action goes through a bureaucratic chain, ensuring accountability.

In Pakistan, however, the boundaries blur. The nation feels like a battleground, leading to widespread human rights concerns. Pakistan's current approach of intensifying surveillance and military actions within its borders cannot be sustained indefinitely.

A Call for Judicial Oversight

Chief Justice Yahya Afridi faces immense pressure to establish a judicial commission to address the ongoing issues. This is no easy task. The country is on the brink of a judicial crisis, with calls to examine the legality of military actions against civilians.

If history has shown us anything, military-led governments often erode the structures they aim to protect. Pakistan must tread carefully, balancing its need for security with the rights and freedoms of its citizens.

Political Realities

Adding to the mix, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s recent statement on privatizing national assets, including PIA, has sparked intense debate. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s government has since proposed investing in PIA, with Ali Khan, the Minister of Privatization, suggesting that all provinces should contribute.

However, as Fawad Chaudhry aptly noted, simply shifting ownership of a national asset from the federal to the provincial level won’t solve the underlying issues. As the IMF envisions, the true objective is to enable PIA to function autonomously, free from political interference.

The Future Awaits

As I conclude this reflection, I am struck by the moment's urgency. The situation in Pakistan demands critical thinking and a commitment to restoring democratic principles. Every institution must introspect and realign from the judiciary’s role in upholding the rule of law to the military’s responsibility in maintaining its core mission.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. How we navigate this period will determine the nation’s future, for better or worse.