Pakistan: Army and Imran Khan confrontation shows no signs of resolution

In Pakistan, the ongoing standoff between the Army and Prime Minister Imran Khan shows no signs of abating, underscoring a deepening political crisis in the nation. The persistent discord between the military establishment and Khan's government has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability, with no clear path to resolution in sight. This protracted confrontation threatens to further destabilize Pakistan's already fragile political landscape.

The response of Gen Asim Munir to Imran Khan's provocative statements is awaited. There's speculation that he may intensify crackdowns on the PTI and implicate Khan in additional legal cases, further escalating tensions between the government and the military establishment.

Following December 16, 1971, May 9, 2023, has emerged as a profoundly traumatic date for the Pakistan army. On the former occasion, the army suffered a humiliating defeat when Lt Gen AAK Niazi surrendered to Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Arora in Dhaka. On the latter date, supporters of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan engaged in riots against the army across the country's streets and cantonments. They vandalized monuments honoring the army's martyrs, looted the residence of the corps commander Lahore, named after the country's founder, Mohammed Ali Jinnah, and attacked other army facilities. Such blatant disrespect deeply wounded the army's perception of itself as the ultimate defender of the nation and its core principles. Consequently, some army generals lamented that internal adversaries had achieved what the 'external' enemy, presumably India, had not.

The events of May 9 intensified the rift between army chief Gen Asim Munir and Imran Khan. Their strained relationship was one aspect of the issue, while another was Khan's success in garnering support within the army by appealing to the 'gairat' (pride) of certain officers and ranks. Khan portrayed himself as a bulwark against foreign interference, notably from the United States, in Pakistan's internal affairs. However, the idea that some members of the armed forces were swayed by Khan's rhetoric was unacceptable to the majority. The army's ethos dictates unwavering loyalty to the army chief above all else.

Munir and his supporting generals and officers couldn't ignore Khan's influence within the army, as it threatened discipline and professionalism. They couldn't allow a political leader, no matter how popular, to sow divisions within the force. Consequently, Munir took decisive action against those within the ranks, including the corps commander, Lahore, by court-martialing and dismissing them. He also engaged other political forces and like-minded individuals in various institutions, including the judiciary, to keep Khan imprisoned and weaken the PTI. The ultimate goal was to ensure the PTI's defeat in the National Assembly elections and neutralize Imran Khan's political challenge.

While Munir achieved some of his objectives, he didn't completely eradicate the Imran Khan challenge. As Pakistan commemorated the anniversary of May 9, it became evident that the army and its political allies hadn't entirely eliminated Khan's influence. Recent events, along with Munir's extensive statement on May 9, underscored this reality.

On May 7, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif, held a press conference lasting over two hours. He vehemently condemned those responsible for the turmoil of May 9 last year, widely understood to refer to Imran Khan and the PTI, although Sharif refrained from explicitly naming them. Amidst his condemnations, Sharif conveyed a "message" that dialogue with the PTI could only occur if they publicly apologized to the nation for their actions and committed to abandoning their disruptive political approaches in favor of constructive positions. The Pakistani media notably emphasized Sharif's "message" directed at Khan and the PTI.

Imran Khan's response to the message was unequivocal. When asked by reporters outside a court hearing on May 8 if he would apologize for the May 9 events, Khan replied in the negative. He asserted that he learned of the events only when attending court proceedings in the Pakistan Supreme Court that day and had already condemned the violence. PTI's Omar Ayub Khan, the current opposition leader in the Pakistan National Assembly, went as far as to label the May 9 events as a conspiracy against Imran Khan.

On the evening of May 8, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari characterized May 9, 2023, as a dark day in the country's history, emphasizing that the events tarnished Pakistan and served the interests of its enemies. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed these sentiments during a special cabinet meeting on May 9, stating that the aim of the events was to undermine democracy, discard the constitution, and establish a dictatorship. However, the most notable statement came from army chief Asim Munir.

During a visit to the Lahore Garrison on May 9, Munir highlighted attempts via digital platforms to sow discord between the army and the people. He labeled the riots of May 9, 2023, as "criminally orchestrated violence" and accused the instigators of attempting to distort the narrative. Munir emphasized that there would be no compromise with those responsible for this dark chapter in history. He warned that individuals portraying themselves as victims would be held accountable for their actions, especially when there is clear evidence of their involvement in organized violence and sabotage.

Significantly, Munir, during the inauguration of a Jinnah Library at the Lahore Garrison, invoked the memory of Pakistan's founder. He noted that "constructive forces" had revitalized the legacy of Quaid by establishing this public library amidst the devastation caused by destructive forces. This alluded to the ransacking of Jinnah House, the residence of the Lahore Corps Commander, on May 9 last year.

Imran Khan's defiance persisted as he met with Omar Ayub Khan, former president Arif Alvi, and other PTI leaders at Adiala Jail on May 9. Following the meeting, these leaders addressed a press conference, stating that Khan had instructed for cases to be filed in court to obtain CCTV footage of the May events. Omar Ayub Khan reiterated Imran Khan's assertion that the May 9 developments were part of the "London Plan" aimed at toppling his government. Khan has previously alleged that elements in the judiciary were complicit in this plan. The PTI leaders also reaffirmed their party's narrative that the mandate they received in the February 8 election was stolen and emphasized Imran Khan's enduring popularity in Pakistan. Currently, Khan remains significantly popular, particularly in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces.

The press conference held a significant revelation that underscores the ongoing conflict between Imran Khan and Munir in Pakistan. Omar Ayub Khan stated that Imran Khan likened the events of March 9 to a "considered" conspiracy, drawing parallels to the notorious events of March 11, 1971. According to Khan, the latter date marked a critical turning point when President Gen. Yahya Khan's actions led to the military operation in East Pakistan, culminating in the country's breakup on December 16, 1971. Khan emphasized that Yahya Khan's decisions were his alone, not reflective of the institution or the armed forces. Similarly, Khan attributed the responsibility for the London Plan to an individual, rather than the institution or the armed forces, signaling towards former army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, with the primary beneficiary being the current chief, Asim Munir.

Imran Khan's attempts to create a divide between Munir and his officers and soldiers are likely to be met with strong resistance. Munir and his supporting generals would perceive Khan's words as an attempt to incite rebellion within the army, an action that they would deem unacceptable. The government is expected to align with this interpretation.

Munir's response to Khan's provocative statements remains uncertain, but it's probable that he will intensify crackdowns on the PTI and entangle Khan in new legal cases. However, Munir's primary challenge lies in diminishing Khan's popularity decisively. Even if he fails in this regard, Munir cannot afford to let Khan continue to sow discord within the army. Consequently, Munir may feel compelled to explore innovative and forceful approaches to address Khan's actions.

Pakistan's fundamental problems show no signs of resolution in the near future. The author, a former Indian diplomat with extensive experience, including as India's Ambassador to Afghanistan and Myanmar, expresses personal views in the above piece. These views are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Firstpost.

Source: firstpost