Civil Military Relations Under Both Sharifs

Since the creation of Pakistan which Hamza Alavi constituted as an “over developed state”, there has been an overwhelming influence of its military-bureaucratic complex. Though no sane person can justify the role of military in the affairs of government however, it is agreed upon by many experts that nicely coordinated civil-military relations can facilitate the complex state system of the country. According to Huntington, strong civil institutions can dictate the military institutions and have a potential to eliminate the possibility of military encroachment in government affairs.

Keeping in view the history, there have been multiple factors that have dictated the animosity between civil military relations in Pakistan. With the arrival of Raheel Sharif as a Chief of Army staff, civil military relations seem to have seen paradigm shift from ‘Animosity to Cooperation’. The Government of Nawaz sharif, understood and accepted the role of military as co-partner in state affairs. Likely, under the leadership of Raheel Sharif, the military accepted the significance and necessity of political institutions.

Both leaders realized that neither military nor political parties can efficiently run the affairs of the country alone. Despite years of negative press and deteriorating security situations, General Raheel enjoys a win win situation. Operation zarab-e-Azab started without the discrimination of good and bad Taliban, compelled the terrorists to look for new shelters outside Pakistan. National Action Plan has been launched with broad Strategic vision.

Unlike the eras of Army Chiefs Ashfaq parvaiz kayani and Musharraf, General Raheel’s period seems to have taken a different course when it comes to civil-military relations. Raheel Sharif won the hearts and minds of the masses by being neutral on multiple events. His role was unique during PTI’s dharna. He did not contribute to the anti-government sentiments at that time. He easily could have.

His role on external affairs is also unique, he refused to provide arm forces in Yemen on the behalf of Saudia by keeping an eye on the Saudi-Iranian confrontation and domestic sectarian harmony. Civil-military leadership was on the same page and offered its role as a mediator in Middle East sectarian issue.

In short, with the cooperation of Nawaz Sharif, Raheel Sharif is positively contributing to the civil military bipolarity. If this cooperation and ‘power sharing’ approach between both Sharifs continues, it will greatly help Pakistan get out of its precarious situation very soon. The statements given by General Raheel Sharif as “ No one should dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan” and “I reiterate our resolve that any attempt to obstruct or impede this project (CPEC) will be thwarted at all costs” show the ‘common intent’ of both Sharifs.

However, such cordial Civil-Military relations need continuity of the higher apparatus that would only be possible through an extension of General Raheel Sharif’s tenure as Chief of Army Staff. If that happens, Pakistan would be able to enjoy the stability and security. This cooperation will further contribute in the regional stability of South Asia in terms of security issues.