It seems change in the air in Pakistan these days. Starting September, Pakistan will witness a series of changes in the corridors of power. After the successful completion of his five-year term in office, President Asif Zardari has been be replaced by Mamnoon Hussain. Later this year, the Army Chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan Iftikhar Chaudhry would also step down from their positions.
Considering Pakistan’s tumultuous history and role of military in shaping the country’s future, the newly formed civilian government is faced with a daunting task of naming the next top military man. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is likely to be extra cautious in naming the new army boss after his bitter relationship with the military, which ousted him twice from power.
Military leadership has remained strong in Pakistan’s history, ruling the country for several decades over its existence period. During his last stints in power, Nawaz Sharif sidelined merit and rewarded generals for loyalty. However, his government was toppled by the handpicked Gen. Waheed Kakar (1993) and Gen. Pervez Musharraf (1998). Nawaz Sharif has clearly expressed his desire to keep seniority in mind when appointing the new army chief. The government is in process of consultations with all stakeholders to choose Kayani’s successor to ensure a smooth transition of power in the military. Traditionally, a decision about the coveted post has been made on the basis of seniority, merit, loyalty and professional competence.
Pakistani’s army is facing a number of internal and external challenges that pose an existential threat to the country. It is currently engaged in a bloody domestic war against militants, while relations with archrival India have also soured in recent weeks after skirmishes along the Kashmir border. Some foreign relations experts believe that the Pakistan military wants to reinforce its influence in determining the course of ties with India by aggravating tensions. While the Pakistani government has signaled its intentions to conduct a peaceful dialogue on all outstanding issues with India, any further flare up in the border situation will hurt the peace process. Such disruptions will derail backchannel negotiations and diplomacy to rupture the confidence of both sides in each other.
Keeping in mind the ongoing war against terror, Pakistan needs an army chief who is skilled in leading counterterrorism operations and devising a comprehensive national security policy. The military chief should not only be a role model of bravery and composure in tough situations but should also possess in-depth knowledge of modern strategic warfare. Further, the government would be hoping that the new chief realizes importance of strengthening the democratic process in Pakistan. Any misadventure from the armed forces in political affairs of the country will hurt the prestige of the esteemed institution. The government will expect strong support from the new army chief in tackling the country’s complex issues. He would have to demonstrate professional competence and a long-term vision in helping to steer Pakistan out of troubled waters and boosting morale of the armed forces.
The government has made it clear that the announcement of a new army head will be made before Kayani’s retirement in November. By doing so, it would put to rest all speculations surrounding the appointment. Regardless of whoever is selected for the position, it is hoped that it improves the civil-military ties and helps Pakistan achieve its objectives in the war against terror.
