A day of victory for Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: After several days of civil-military tension, it all ended up beautifully on Wednesday. It was a day of victory for Pakistan. The civil-military leadership finally settled their dispute on the situation arising out of DG ISPR’s April 29th tweet in line with the constitutional principles and democratic norms.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should be appreciated for the display of his patience in the post-DG ISPR tweet situation. He was upset with the tweet and wanted its withdrawal but was cautious not to get the institutions into each other’s throat.

His stance on the issue not only averted a confrontation between institutions but upheld the civilian supremacy and constitutional rule in the country.

The April 29th tweet of the military spokesman had undoubtedly crossed the constitutional red lines. It was critically important to withdraw the tweet, and this scribe had suggested the same on the very day the tweet was issued.

The tweet’s ultimate withdrawal by the top military leadership on Thursday served democracy and constitutionalism like never before. The withdrawal of the tweet, which was highly controversial, will also serve well for the repute and esteem of the institution of Pakistan Army. For this, the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa needs a pat on his back.

As against the April 29th tweet, the Wednesday’s press release issued by the ISPR finally settled the DawnLeaks issue as well as the fears of civil-military tension. More importantly, the military reiterated its firm commitment and support for the constitutional rule and democracy.

The Wednesday’s press release reads as: “The tweet on 29 April 2017 was not aimed at any government office or person. Recommendations as contained in Para 18 of the Inquiry Committee Report, duly approved by the Prime Minister, have been implemented, which has settled the Dawn Leaks issue. Accordingly, ISPR’s said tweet post stands withdrawn and has become infructuous. Pakistan Army reiterates its firm commitment and continued resolve to uphold the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and support the democratic process.”

Within minutes of this announcement from the ISPR, the Ministry of Interior also made public the recommendations of the DawnLeaks Inquiry Committee. The post 29th April situation, where the civil-military confrontation was seen imminent, was comforting for the enemies of Pakistan besides for some local politicians who wanted to use this situation for their petty political gains. Foreign media in general and the Indian media in particular had used the 29th April ISPR tweet to target Pakistan.

However, credit goes to the civil and military leadership of this country for resolving the matter now within the parameters of law and Constitution. If the ISPR tweet had badly hurt the civilian supremacy, the Wednesday’s developments have greatly served democracy and the constitutional rule.

While the Wednesday’s developments bring smiles to the faces of Pakistanis all around the world, the country’s enemies particularly India, must be really disappointed. Pakistan has taken a giant step towards the maturity of democracy and constitutionalism.

Now, the challenge for the civil-military leadership is to ensure that nothing like what had happened in the recent past is repeated again in future. Pakistan can’t afford confrontation between institutions. To avoid this, the present civil-military leadership have now the best opportunity available to work out a mechanism for well-coordinated working relationship to avoid misunderstandings between them in future.