Imran Khan triggers debate over military takeover in Pakistan
Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan set the cat among the pigeons when he said this week people in Pakistan would “celebrate and distribute sweets” if the military takes over, unlike in Turkey.
His remarks come at a time when the military is building its image as a solution provider to problems, the latest being the rescue of the Sindh chief justice’s son from kidnappers in tribal areas.
Aside from mysterious billboards that invited the army chief to take power, there are other instances where the military played up its image while the media showed politicians in a bad light. “It is interesting how scandals of politicians are being revealed and in the very same breath the achievements of the military are being highlighted. This is more than a coincidence,” said journalist Qaisar Mehmood.
Khan’s remarks prompted many politicians to respond. Some said the Pakistan Tehreeke-Insaf (PTI) chairman should be strengthening the fragile democratic dispensation. Others welcomed his statement, saying they are tired of the way politicians have ruled the country for the past decade.
“Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif spent nearly two months in the UK at state expense, former president Asif Zardari is camped in Dubai and many politicians come to power only to enrich themselves,” said businessman Naddem Roomi. Like many in the business community, Roomi is a supporter of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, whose tenure he describes as a “golden era for Pakistan’s economy”.
The army’s actions against militants have resonated with people, who see the force, after its operation that has led to a substantial decline in terrorist activity, as the answer to the country’s problems. “It’s a cycle that continues to run in Pakistan,” said columnist Zarrar Khuhro, adding politicians should break this cycle by providing good governance “but they never do”.