'The Power Behind The Throne'
Pakistan has been in a state of instability ever since it was created. A strange mixture of dictatorship and democracy is being witnessed throughout its history.
In Pakistan there has always been an 'elite group' of individuals who dictate foreign and internal policies, create defence budget and control intelligencia. This elite group which takes all the key decisions is referred generally as the 'Establishment'.
In addition to shaping overall policies, this establishment is also considered to be responsible for creating political parties and alliances. 'Strong' judiciary and, at times, media also serve the interests of this elite group.
In a book 'idea of Pakistan' written by Stephen P. Cohen, Cohen describes this establishment as a "moderate oligarchy". He defines it as an informal political system that ties together the military, civil service, key members of judiciary, and other elites.
Unlike Russia and the US, Pakistan's oligarchy has its own dynamics and does not include heads of multi-national corporations or imperialists giants, but it is the 'knights' in the khaki uniforms who dominate this group. A brief study of past events of Pakistan's history will help us to understand how this military-bureaucracy consolidates power.
The roots of this military oligarchy can be traced back to the 1950s.
1958-1971
It all started with almost a decade long rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan when he took power in 1958. It was then when the regime established its 'strong' links with the United States primarily aimed at containing the influence of the communist block. And this in return led to major economic aid from the U.S but the consequences were the same as they are today, increased inequality in the distribution of wealth and of no benefit to the ordinary citizens. The power resided in few hands. No one was in a position to protest the massive military crackdown in the troubled Balochistan area and against the unrest in eastern part which became apparent as well. The rules of the game were simple, no one was allowed to play 'foul'.
An interesting incident took place, when the first speaker of assembly, Moulvi Tammizudin challenged the dismissal of the first constituent assembly by Ayub. Tammizudin had to take a rickshaw, wear a burka and go through Sindh Court backdoor to seek justice. Obviously this was dismissed by the Federal Court.
When the Ayub Regime fell apart as a result of uprising spurred by political repression of its citizen, Gen. Yahya khan took over the head of another martial law regime. Then came 1971, when the eastern part of Pakistan was ripped off.
The script writers were still the 'knights'. The power obsessed rulers were willing to retain their power even at the expense of its citizen's blood and resources. The refusal of the establishment to honour the verdict of the elections in 1970 resulted in the operation searchlight. Bangladeshi authorities claim that 3 million people were killed during this military operation by Pakistan Army. Whereas the independent sources claim that the figures for the lost lives vary between 200,000 to 3,000,000. The aftermaths of such a tragic event resulted in huge defeat of Pakistani army and 93,000 troops were held as war prisoners by India, who intervened to help Bangladesh.
1971-1977
In late 1971 after Gen. Yahya resigned, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto became the sole heir with unshared authority of the country when he occupied the post of President, Army commander in chief, as well as the first civilian chief martial law administrator.
During his time he nationalised major industries. He established an atomic power development programme and inaugurated the first Pakistani atomic reactor. Once in office, he made all the right noises about the inordinate power enjoyed by the military and the bureaucracy, but went no further than effecting a few cosmetic changes in the structure of these institutions. When the opposition parties became vocal against Bhutto and his unpopularity grew, Bhutto, like others before him, used state power against his opponents. He
banned National Awami Party and journalists were also targeted by him. These tactics have always being used by the powerful men of establishment to keep their supremacy alive.
Soon after a short while, Bhutto steadily started losing his grip on the powerful military- bureaucracy. A new player emerged in the complicated 'power' game, this time with a visible support from a foreign power. Gen. Zia ul Haq ousted Bhutto's government and imposed martial law in 1977. In the book if I am Assassinated written by Bhutto, he revealed that Henry Kissinger had said to him in 1976 "we can destabilise your government and make a horrible example out of you".
1977-1988
Again the power was dominated by the new players of the old game. A foreign power had global interests in the region, and the love affair with the establishment was essential to achieve such aims. Russians involvement in Afghanistan rang bells to many influential ears and in a short while Pakistan was a strategic partner to the United States. Pakistani regime was fully supported by the United States militarily and financially for taking on the Russians in Afghanistan for the time being. It was during Gen. Zia's tenure when the doctrine of necessity was innovated. The name of the Islam was used by the ruler to justify his actions. Twisted tiny bits of Islam were also introduced to neutralize the growing demand of Islam's implementation as Zia promised while grabbing power.
During this era, some political parties were also given birth by the establishment to strengthen its own arms and to cater the influence of Pakistan's Peoples Party in Sindh. For instance MQM which is a party being created by the ISI as disclosed by former Chief Minister Ghous Ali Shah.
Another alliance by the name of IJI (Islami Jumhoriye Itihad) was also given birth to confront the rising popularity of PPP. This is being confessed by Gen. (ret) Hamid Gul himself.
Gen. Zia's reign ended with his death in 1988, many believe that America is responsible behind the mysterious crash of airplane. America had achieved her desires and for them Gen. Zia was a closed chapter. This proxy was of no further use to the US.
Primary interests of the America were to enslave Pakistan to achieve its global aims in this region. They did so partly by using their 'sound' relationships with the ruling elite and moreover by economic means, giving huge debts, building infrastructure and controlling economic policies.
Here I would shed some light why these notorious foreign powers are so kind when it comes to bring economic 'prosperity' in third-world countries.
This, the economic enslaving web, was a new invention to dominate countries. These tactics are practised to exploit the resources owned by the third world countries, who serve as suppliers of services to its consumers, the developed countries.
Ones who execute these plans are called Economic Hit men. John Perkins describes these 'Economic Hit Men' as highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion and murder. They play a game as old as Empire but one that has taken on terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization.
And this is the innovation of the CIA, when in 1951 one of its agent Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Theodore, American president) overthrew Muhammad Mossedegh's government in Iran. And the Americans intervened because Mossedegh nationalized Iran's major institutes including AIOC(Anglo Iranian Oil Company), now known as BP. John Perkins, a former economic hit man, confessed the use of such third graded methods to secure the vested interests of American Empire.
Anyways, United States managed to establish strong relationships with the Pakistani military. The need of the time was to deal with the growing danger of Soviet Union. And Pakistan did served the Americans interests well by supporting mujahideen to topple Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
1988-1999
Though civilian governments occupied the Premiership slot in this era but still it was the military oligarchy dictating the terms.
In 1988, Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister in the elections held after the death of Gen. Zia. Still the actual power was enjoyed by the military and Benazir knew about it very well. That is why after becoming Prime Minister, She tried to take charge of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) by replacing its chief Lt. Gen. Hameed Gul with a retired civilian officer close to her father.
Ethnic riots rocked Karachi and corruption, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killing was on a high as disclosed by Amnesty International. In 1990, Benazir's government was dismissed on charges of corruption and deteriorating law and order.
Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister in 1990. Sharif was elected as the Leader of Pakistan Muslim League and IJI by the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) as documented by the testimony of the then Army Chief in Supreme Court of Pakistan.
But the romance with establishment lasted not for so long. Shairf and President Ishaq Khan under pressure from the armed forces both resigned from their office in 1993.
Later the duo, Benazir and Sharif enjoyed yet an other term as Prime Ministers but none completed the 5 years tenure. Military bureaucracy was too powerful for them.
1999 – 2008
Armed forces were unhappy with Nawaz Sharif for having dismissed their former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Jehangir Karamut. Gen. Jehangir was of the point of view that a National Security Council should be formed to take care of the security issues and Nawaz Sharif was strongly opposed of this idea.
Lt Gen. Musharraf was promoted over other senior officers on account of his obedience, and took over the command of Army as its Chief.
In October 1999, Gen. Musharraf seized power and became the Head of government of Pakistan following a bloodless coup d'état.
America, as discussed above, was quite successful in penetrating among military officers through CIA.
Gen. Musharaff was the Director of Military Intelligence when the Taliban were strengthened in Afghanistan during Gen. Zia's era. Musharraf had very 'good' relationships with the foreign agencies since 1980s. This fact can be established when in 80s, Musharraf covered the connection of a lady, Jane Doe, to foreign intelligence agency. Agent Jane Doe, who got divorced by her husband John Doe in Rawalpindi, was also a close relative of Musharraf. Abid Ullah Jan wrote a detailed article 'Musharraf had handlers in Mossad-US Agency since the 80s' on this subject.
In this era of Musharraf, rifts within the military oligarchy were on a sky high. These rifts became apparent when Musharraf sided with America in the aftermath of 9/11.
Gen. Aziz, Gen. Mehmood and Gen. Usmani who were senior in experience to Musharraf differed with Army Chief. These Generals were of the opinion that Pakistan should not side with America on Afghanistan and should not provide bases to CIA and FBI. As a goodwill gesture Musharraf remove these Generals and proved his loyalty to America.
Chief of Air staff Mushaf Ali was also not in agreement with Musharraf on his conduct of Afghanistan war. Mushaf was opposed to Musharraf's policy and planning. Many believe this is the reason why Chief of Air staff plane crashed and Mushaf died with his closest confidants.
After getting rid of these trouble makers, Musharraf tightened his control over armed forces. And due to the barbaric oppression of Musharraf, Pakistan Armed Forces also lost the respect and trust of its countrymen.
Musharraf lost some ground after resigning as Chief of Army Staff, but still he is the Supreme Chief and holds the right to make appointments at top military offices.
Conclusion
Pakistan has lost its influence in the region by siding with America against Afghanistan. Separist movements are more vocal then ever in Baluchistan. President Bush has already stated that if any attack takes place in America, the origin of such attack would be the tribal areas of Pakistan. And now after Bush's comments, there is an increased likelihood of such an attack already in making.
And it is not the corruption and misdeeds of the civil politicians elected to high state offices are not primary factors which lead to the direct military interventions and marshal rule. They are rather integral part of capitalist system globally.
It is about time to look back at our history and eradicate the roots of the failed ruling system.
For Pakistan to truly progress and regain its strategic advantage, it should ditch the failed policies and act in accordance to the whims and desires of its residents. A survey supported by the US Department of Homeland Security and conducted by the University of Maryland between December 2006 and February 2007, revealed that the majority of Muslims in Pakistan held a goal "to unify all Islamic countries into a single Islamic state or Caliphate".
Pakistan was created on the name of Islam, as a state for Muslims. Unfortunately this vision has not truly being realised. The politics of Pakistan have been based on a cocktail of un-Islamic political thought and alien ideologies. Those who profess Islam have discredited the Islamic alternative due to lack of principles.
Both Military & Civilian rulers of Pakistan have failed its citizen and let the nation drift from one crisis to another. And US proxy rulers like Musharraf use politicians as their pawns to keep them in power.
For Pakistan to truly progress it needs politicians that can look after its affairs both domestically and internationally.
The Khilafah ruling system will allow statesman and politicians to enter into politics and encourage them to play their role for the betterment of society.
It is the time for the honourable Generals of the army of Pakistan to step up and oust the rulers, who have humiliated and disgraced the ummah, and dignify the residents of Pakistan from its current miserable state by establishing Khilafah.
M. Bilal Qureshi
Pakistan has been in a state of instability ever since it was created. A strange mixture of dictatorship and democracy is being witnessed throughout its history.
In Pakistan there has always been an 'elite group' of individuals who dictate foreign and internal policies, create defence budget and control intelligencia. This elite group which takes all the key decisions is referred generally as the 'Establishment'.
In addition to shaping overall policies, this establishment is also considered to be responsible for creating political parties and alliances. 'Strong' judiciary and, at times, media also serve the interests of this elite group.
In a book 'idea of Pakistan' written by Stephen P. Cohen, Cohen describes this establishment as a "moderate oligarchy". He defines it as an informal political system that ties together the military, civil service, key members of judiciary, and other elites.
Unlike Russia and the US, Pakistan's oligarchy has its own dynamics and does not include heads of multi-national corporations or imperialists giants, but it is the 'knights' in the khaki uniforms who dominate this group. A brief study of past events of Pakistan's history will help us to understand how this military-bureaucracy consolidates power.
The roots of this military oligarchy can be traced back to the 1950s.
1958-1971
It all started with almost a decade long rule of Field Marshal Ayub Khan when he took power in 1958. It was then when the regime established its 'strong' links with the United States primarily aimed at containing the influence of the communist block. And this in return led to major economic aid from the U.S but the consequences were the same as they are today, increased inequality in the distribution of wealth and of no benefit to the ordinary citizens. The power resided in few hands. No one was in a position to protest the massive military crackdown in the troubled Balochistan area and against the unrest in eastern part which became apparent as well. The rules of the game were simple, no one was allowed to play 'foul'.
An interesting incident took place, when the first speaker of assembly, Moulvi Tammizudin challenged the dismissal of the first constituent assembly by Ayub. Tammizudin had to take a rickshaw, wear a burka and go through Sindh Court backdoor to seek justice. Obviously this was dismissed by the Federal Court.
When the Ayub Regime fell apart as a result of uprising spurred by political repression of its citizen, Gen. Yahya khan took over the head of another martial law regime. Then came 1971, when the eastern part of Pakistan was ripped off.
The script writers were still the 'knights'. The power obsessed rulers were willing to retain their power even at the expense of its citizen's blood and resources. The refusal of the establishment to honour the verdict of the elections in 1970 resulted in the operation searchlight. Bangladeshi authorities claim that 3 million people were killed during this military operation by Pakistan Army. Whereas the independent sources claim that the figures for the lost lives vary between 200,000 to 3,000,000. The aftermaths of such a tragic event resulted in huge defeat of Pakistani army and 93,000 troops were held as war prisoners by India, who intervened to help Bangladesh.
1971-1977
In late 1971 after Gen. Yahya resigned, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto became the sole heir with unshared authority of the country when he occupied the post of President, Army commander in chief, as well as the first civilian chief martial law administrator.
During his time he nationalised major industries. He established an atomic power development programme and inaugurated the first Pakistani atomic reactor. Once in office, he made all the right noises about the inordinate power enjoyed by the military and the bureaucracy, but went no further than effecting a few cosmetic changes in the structure of these institutions. When the opposition parties became vocal against Bhutto and his unpopularity grew, Bhutto, like others before him, used state power against his opponents. He
banned National Awami Party and journalists were also targeted by him. These tactics have always being used by the powerful men of establishment to keep their supremacy alive.
Soon after a short while, Bhutto steadily started losing his grip on the powerful military- bureaucracy. A new player emerged in the complicated 'power' game, this time with a visible support from a foreign power. Gen. Zia ul Haq ousted Bhutto's government and imposed martial law in 1977. In the book if I am Assassinated written by Bhutto, he revealed that Henry Kissinger had said to him in 1976 "we can destabilise your government and make a horrible example out of you".
1977-1988
Again the power was dominated by the new players of the old game. A foreign power had global interests in the region, and the love affair with the establishment was essential to achieve such aims. Russians involvement in Afghanistan rang bells to many influential ears and in a short while Pakistan was a strategic partner to the United States. Pakistani regime was fully supported by the United States militarily and financially for taking on the Russians in Afghanistan for the time being. It was during Gen. Zia's tenure when the doctrine of necessity was innovated. The name of the Islam was used by the ruler to justify his actions. Twisted tiny bits of Islam were also introduced to neutralize the growing demand of Islam's implementation as Zia promised while grabbing power.
During this era, some political parties were also given birth by the establishment to strengthen its own arms and to cater the influence of Pakistan's Peoples Party in Sindh. For instance MQM which is a party being created by the ISI as disclosed by former Chief Minister Ghous Ali Shah.
Another alliance by the name of IJI (Islami Jumhoriye Itihad) was also given birth to confront the rising popularity of PPP. This is being confessed by Gen. (ret) Hamid Gul himself.
Gen. Zia's reign ended with his death in 1988, many believe that America is responsible behind the mysterious crash of airplane. America had achieved her desires and for them Gen. Zia was a closed chapter. This proxy was of no further use to the US.
Primary interests of the America were to enslave Pakistan to achieve its global aims in this region. They did so partly by using their 'sound' relationships with the ruling elite and moreover by economic means, giving huge debts, building infrastructure and controlling economic policies.
Here I would shed some light why these notorious foreign powers are so kind when it comes to bring economic 'prosperity' in third-world countries.
This, the economic enslaving web, was a new invention to dominate countries. These tactics are practised to exploit the resources owned by the third world countries, who serve as suppliers of services to its consumers, the developed countries.
Ones who execute these plans are called Economic Hit men. John Perkins describes these 'Economic Hit Men' as highly paid professionals who cheat countries around the globe out of trillions of dollars. Their tools include fraudulent financial reports, rigged elections, payoffs, extortion and murder. They play a game as old as Empire but one that has taken on terrifying dimensions during this time of globalization.
And this is the innovation of the CIA, when in 1951 one of its agent Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Theodore, American president) overthrew Muhammad Mossedegh's government in Iran. And the Americans intervened because Mossedegh nationalized Iran's major institutes including AIOC(Anglo Iranian Oil Company), now known as BP. John Perkins, a former economic hit man, confessed the use of such third graded methods to secure the vested interests of American Empire.
Anyways, United States managed to establish strong relationships with the Pakistani military. The need of the time was to deal with the growing danger of Soviet Union. And Pakistan did served the Americans interests well by supporting mujahideen to topple Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
1988-1999
Though civilian governments occupied the Premiership slot in this era but still it was the military oligarchy dictating the terms.
In 1988, Benazir Bhutto was sworn in as Pakistan's Prime Minister in the elections held after the death of Gen. Zia. Still the actual power was enjoyed by the military and Benazir knew about it very well. That is why after becoming Prime Minister, She tried to take charge of Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) by replacing its chief Lt. Gen. Hameed Gul with a retired civilian officer close to her father.
Ethnic riots rocked Karachi and corruption, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killing was on a high as disclosed by Amnesty International. In 1990, Benazir's government was dismissed on charges of corruption and deteriorating law and order.
Nawaz Sharif became Prime Minister in 1990. Sharif was elected as the Leader of Pakistan Muslim League and IJI by the Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) as documented by the testimony of the then Army Chief in Supreme Court of Pakistan.
But the romance with establishment lasted not for so long. Shairf and President Ishaq Khan under pressure from the armed forces both resigned from their office in 1993.
Later the duo, Benazir and Sharif enjoyed yet an other term as Prime Ministers but none completed the 5 years tenure. Military bureaucracy was too powerful for them.
1999 – 2008
Armed forces were unhappy with Nawaz Sharif for having dismissed their former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Jehangir Karamut. Gen. Jehangir was of the point of view that a National Security Council should be formed to take care of the security issues and Nawaz Sharif was strongly opposed of this idea.
Lt Gen. Musharraf was promoted over other senior officers on account of his obedience, and took over the command of Army as its Chief.
In October 1999, Gen. Musharraf seized power and became the Head of government of Pakistan following a bloodless coup d'état.
America, as discussed above, was quite successful in penetrating among military officers through CIA.
Gen. Musharaff was the Director of Military Intelligence when the Taliban were strengthened in Afghanistan during Gen. Zia's era. Musharraf had very 'good' relationships with the foreign agencies since 1980s. This fact can be established when in 80s, Musharraf covered the connection of a lady, Jane Doe, to foreign intelligence agency. Agent Jane Doe, who got divorced by her husband John Doe in Rawalpindi, was also a close relative of Musharraf. Abid Ullah Jan wrote a detailed article 'Musharraf had handlers in Mossad-US Agency since the 80s' on this subject.
In this era of Musharraf, rifts within the military oligarchy were on a sky high. These rifts became apparent when Musharraf sided with America in the aftermath of 9/11.
Gen. Aziz, Gen. Mehmood and Gen. Usmani who were senior in experience to Musharraf differed with Army Chief. These Generals were of the opinion that Pakistan should not side with America on Afghanistan and should not provide bases to CIA and FBI. As a goodwill gesture Musharraf remove these Generals and proved his loyalty to America.
Chief of Air staff Mushaf Ali was also not in agreement with Musharraf on his conduct of Afghanistan war. Mushaf was opposed to Musharraf's policy and planning. Many believe this is the reason why Chief of Air staff plane crashed and Mushaf died with his closest confidants.
After getting rid of these trouble makers, Musharraf tightened his control over armed forces. And due to the barbaric oppression of Musharraf, Pakistan Armed Forces also lost the respect and trust of its countrymen.
Musharraf lost some ground after resigning as Chief of Army Staff, but still he is the Supreme Chief and holds the right to make appointments at top military offices.
Conclusion
Pakistan has lost its influence in the region by siding with America against Afghanistan. Separist movements are more vocal then ever in Baluchistan. President Bush has already stated that if any attack takes place in America, the origin of such attack would be the tribal areas of Pakistan. And now after Bush's comments, there is an increased likelihood of such an attack already in making.
And it is not the corruption and misdeeds of the civil politicians elected to high state offices are not primary factors which lead to the direct military interventions and marshal rule. They are rather integral part of capitalist system globally.
It is about time to look back at our history and eradicate the roots of the failed ruling system.
For Pakistan to truly progress and regain its strategic advantage, it should ditch the failed policies and act in accordance to the whims and desires of its residents. A survey supported by the US Department of Homeland Security and conducted by the University of Maryland between December 2006 and February 2007, revealed that the majority of Muslims in Pakistan held a goal "to unify all Islamic countries into a single Islamic state or Caliphate".
Pakistan was created on the name of Islam, as a state for Muslims. Unfortunately this vision has not truly being realised. The politics of Pakistan have been based on a cocktail of un-Islamic political thought and alien ideologies. Those who profess Islam have discredited the Islamic alternative due to lack of principles.
Both Military & Civilian rulers of Pakistan have failed its citizen and let the nation drift from one crisis to another. And US proxy rulers like Musharraf use politicians as their pawns to keep them in power.
For Pakistan to truly progress it needs politicians that can look after its affairs both domestically and internationally.
The Khilafah ruling system will allow statesman and politicians to enter into politics and encourage them to play their role for the betterment of society.
It is the time for the honourable Generals of the army of Pakistan to step up and oust the rulers, who have humiliated and disgraced the ummah, and dignify the residents of Pakistan from its current miserable state by establishing Khilafah.
M. Bilal Qureshi
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