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Hindustan Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Pakistan's politico-military tango: Relationship fractured by deep State
The idea of Pakistan as an Islamic democracy that offered space for other religions and cultures to coexist within an Islamic State vanished with the death of its founder and first Governor General, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. What has emerged since is a State that has demonstrated a fractured and unstable politico-military relationship that has seriously impeded Pakistan's evolution from a colony to a modern State. There are three main themes that highlight the politico-military dynamics that exist in Pakistan. The first is an absence of consistent political acumen and the widespread corruption within Pakistan's political parties since its creation, which has offered space for the military to step in and offer notions of stability and power to its people. Pakistan's political instability relative to India is exemplified by the fact that it has had 24 prime ministers compared to India's 14. The second theme that merits attention is the political rise of the Pakistan army and its gradual domination of the violent political landscape. From Prime Minister (PM) Liaquat Ali Khan's assassination at a political rally in 1951, to the recent attempt to assassinate Imran Khan in November 2022, the Pakistan army has — in one or the other form — been linked to these attempts as part of a continuous struggle for supremacy over the political and civilian establishment. The methodology followed by the Pakistan army over the years to dominate the political landscape has followed two models. The first model is the military dictator model in which the Pakistan army chiefs have brazenly seized political power and proclaimed themselves as president to seemingly infuse stability in the country after engineered political crises. Generals Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan, Zia-ul-Haq, and Pervez Musharraf are examples of this model. In their regime, dummy PMs were installed, and these dictators ruled the country with an iron hand. An interesting trivia that indicates the longevity and domination of the Pakistan army is that since the creation of Pakistan, its army has just had 15 army chiefs with tenures ranging from two years to as long as 12 years (Zia). India, on the other hand, has had 31 army chiefs who have consistently stuck to the two-year/retirement at 62 years template that is mandated as per law. The dominance of the Pakistan army has been periodically challenged by powerful politicians like Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Benazir Bhutto, and Imran Khan, all of whom came to power on a consistent anti-India and Kashmir-centric plank. When coupled with the global pressure that linked the continuation of aid to the return of democratic processes, these politicians came to power with the backing of specific factions within the Pakistan army. However, what emerged that whenever these politicians attempted to flex political power and marginalise the military, they were removed from power — Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged, Benazir was assassinated, Nawaz Sharif was exiled, and Imran Khan was imprisoned, all at the behest of powerful army chiefs. The last theme that is not often discussed in India relates to the continuous tinkering with the Constitution that changes Pakistan's politico-military equations. Rubber stamp presidents have often been used by the Pakistan army to dissolve the National Assembly and conduct fresh elections, usually to install an elected government favourable to the army. In 1987, President Zia-Ul-Haq engineered the 8th Amendment which gave the president (himself) sweeping powers to dismiss the National Assembly. In 1997, the 13th Amendment was passed during a decade-long period of strong civilian rule, under PMs Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif. The Amendment nullified the 8th Amendment and clipped the wings of the President. The following decade saw a period of dominance of the Pakistan army with Musharraf proclaiming himself president in 2001 after three years as the army chief, a move that saw him undermine the Constitution to stay in office till 2008 when he resigned to avoid impeachment. Soon after Musharraf's downfall, the 18th Amendment was put in place in 2010 to further limit presidential powers and improve federalism, a move that has not paid much dividend as far as limiting the powers of the army, though there have been previous army chiefs in the recent past such as General Qamar Bajwa who have attempted a more sophisticated way of retaining power in Pakistan — through a masquerade of submitting to civilian authority. Bajwa's successor, General Asim Munir is a radicalised general in the Zia mould who has plunged the politico-military dynamics in Pakistan to a new low. After the current crisis, only time will tell whether this relationship will see a change. Arjun Subramaniam is a military historian and a strategic commentator. The views expressed are personal Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
Hindustan Times
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
What is the Simla Agreement, suspended by Pakistan after the Pahalgam attack?
Pakistan on Thursday announced the suspension of the 1972 Simla Agreement, a key bilateral pact that affirms the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The move came a day after India downgraded diplomatic ties following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people. Acting tough against Islamabad, India on Wednesday announced a series of measures, including the suspension of the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty and the closure of the integrated checkpost at the Attari-Wagah border. The Simla Agreement's aim was to restore peace and normalisation of relationship between India and Pakistan after the two countries fought the 1971 war. The agreement was signed by the then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto on July 3, 1972. It was signed when Pakistan was cut into two, and an independent Bangladesh had come into existence at the end of the war. The agreement stated that both countries would put an end to the conflicts that had seen them fight three wars till then and establish a harmonious relationship with each other. It also said that the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations shall govern the relations between the two countries. The two countries agreed to settle all disputes through peaceful means and bilateral negotiations, without involving a third party. The agreement also stated that both would respect each other's territorial integrity, national unity, political independence, and sovereignty. The agreement created a Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, establishing a de facto border following the 1971 ceasefire line. It was agreed that neither of the two would unilaterally alter the line and keep the status quo. India returned over 13,000 square kilometres of land captured during the war. It was done in goodwill and commitment to peace. However, it retained strategic zones like Turtuk and Chalunka in the Chorbat Valley. The agreement also cleared the decks for Pakistan's eventual recognition of Bangladesh. The suspension of the Simla agreement, which is a kind of mechanism of dispute resolution or at least a guideline, might mean an increase in hostilities, especially along the LoC. Pakistan could even seek to internationalise the Kashmir issue, the main bone of contention between the two neighbours, by trying to get a third party like the UN or OIC involved in the matter.
Time of India
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Pahalgam terror attack: Day after India puts IWT in abeyance, Pakistan ends Simla pact; what it could mean for the LoC
A day after India downgraded diplomatic ties with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Islamabad announced a major move. On Thursday, Pakistan suspended the Simla Agreement and all other bilateral arrangements with India. This includes halting trade, cancelling visas under the SAARC scheme, closing the Wagah border, and blocking airspace for Indian decision came after India took several firm steps in response to the April 22 terrorist strike in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran Valley, which killed 26 people. India had expelled Pakistani military officials, stopped the Indus Water Treaty, and shut the Attari land-transit route. What was the Simla Agreement? The Simla Agreement was signed on July 2, 1972, between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistan's then President Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. It was a direct result of the 1971 Indo-Pak war, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. The agreement aimed to restore peace after the war. India, which held Pakistani prisoners of war and captured land, used the opportunity to push for a lasting peace. For Pakistan, it was a chance to recover lost ground both literally and diplomatically. The core idea of the Simla pact was to resolve all future conflicts through bilateral talks. India had always used this agreement to push back against international intervention in the Kashmir issue. Key principles that held the peace No war, only dialogue: Both nations agreed to resolve disputes through talks, without involving other countries. Respect for Sovereignty: Each side promised to respect the other's territory and stay out of internal matters. No force: They vowed not to use force or threats to change borders or political status. Limit propaganda: Both sides were to stop hostile messaging and promote goodwill. Line of Control (LoC): The ceasefire line from the 1971 war was renamed as the LoC, to be respected by both sides. Troop withdrawal: Both militaries were to pull back to their own sides of the international border. The pact also included restarting trade, travel, and cultural ties—steps aimed at gradual normalization. What happens now? Pakistan's suspension of the Simla Agreement removes the last remaining diplomatic buffer between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. While the pact has seen ups and downs, it served as a base for dialogue and managing tensions. Its end signals a deeper breakdown in trust. The LoC, created by the agreement, may now become even more volatile. There is also concern that Pakistan may try to internationalize the Kashmir issue again, something India has strongly opposed. Without a framework like the Simla Agreement, the chances of accidental escalation rise, and peaceful dialogue becomes harder. With both countries standing firm, tensions are likely to remain high in the near future.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto honoured with Nishan-e-Pakistan posthumously
Listen to article President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civil awards on several distinguished citizens, including the late former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, in recognition of their excellence, contributions, and remarkable achievements across various fields. In a prestigious ceremony held at Aiwan-i-Sadr, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred Pakistan's highest civilian honors, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, to the late former Prime Minister and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. His daughter, Sanam Bhutto, received the award on his behalf, marking a significant moment in the country's history. The ceremony, attended by notable figures such as Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto, and First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, celebrated those who have made remarkable contributions in various fields. Among the honorees was Air Marshal (Retd.) Raja Shahid Hamid, who was posthumously awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz for his exemplary service. Sultan Ali Akbar Allana received the Nishan-e-Khidmat for his impactful work in the financial sector. The Hilal-e-Imtiaz was awarded to several individuals for their extraordinary contributions, including Javed Jabbar for literature, Allah Rakhi Shaheed for her service to education, and Dr. Syed Tauqeer Hussain Shah for his excellence in civil service. Syed Ali Haider Gilani was recognized for his public service, and Hussain Dawood was honored for his philanthropic efforts. Sadia Rashid also received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz for her significant work in the education sector. Further honors were granted to Khawaja Anwar Majeed for social work, and Professor Dr. Shehryar and Dr. Zaryab for their achievements in medicine. Amir Hafeez Ibrahim was awarded for his contributions to science and IT, while Jimmy Engineer was celebrated for his outstanding social services. Umar Farooq was also recognized for his continuous dedication to public service.
Express Tribune
02-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
The evolving journey of Adiala Jail
The journey of the Rawalpindi District Jail — now Adiala Central Jail — has completed 142 years, marking a significant chapter in its history. Over the years, Rawalpindi Central Jail has relocated four times. Initially, when Rawalpindi was a small town, the jail was located at Committee Chowk, Teli Mohalla Road, near Triangle Road. After a brief period, it moved to the current Education Secretariat. In 1882, the jail was established at its present location near Jinnah Park and the Judicial Complex, covering 84.4 acres, where it remained for 104 years. This historic prison held numerous freedom fighters from the independence movement, who were brought here from cities like Lahore, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indian Punjab, Dhaka, and Chittagong by the British. The adjacent ancient, abandoned cemetery contains the graves of these freedom fighters. Notably, Allama Mashriqi was also imprisoned here. During that time, prisoners were escorted to court on foot, as there were no police vehicles for court transports. Now, due to the jail's distance, 12 vehicles and five special vans are used, costing millions in monthly fuel expenses. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) founder and former prime minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was also imprisoned there and executed on April 4, 1979. After his execution, General Ziaul Haq decided to erase the jail's historical significance by constructing a new one. In 1988, the old jail was demolished, and part of the land was converted into a housing society, while a police training college was established. Following protests by the PPP, Jinnah Park was built on part of the land. The Judicial Complex was later built on the police college's site, and the new Rawalpindi Central Jail was established near Adiala Village, about 13km from the Rawalpindi courts. Adiala Jail gained global recognition when Prince Charles of the United Kingdom (UK) visited it, where British national Mirza Tahir, convicted in a murder case, was awaiting execution. During this visit, President Pervez Musharraf commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment and later sent him back to the UK. The jail became internationally known again after the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, the assassin of Punjab Governor Salman Taseer, and during the trial of the eight suspects involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The Adiala Jail, completed in 1986, spans 100 acres and initially accommodated 1,927 prisoners. This capacity was expanded to 2,700 and later to 3,500 in the third phase. Currently, the jail holds over 6,000 prisoners, with the number fluctuating by 200 to 300. It is considered Pakistan's most sensitive jail, housing high-profile individuals like American plane hijackers, the eight Mumbai attack suspects, Lashkar-e-Taiba's Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, former prime ministers Mian Nawaz Sharif, Yousaf Raza Gillani, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Zardari, model Ayan Ali, and more. Today, it is most famous for housing the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Imran Khan, and his wife, Bushra Bibi. The jail is equipped with separate wards for women, children, and VIPs, along with three execution chambers, a mosque, a church, an imambargah, a library, a computer centre, a sewing centre, a factory, farmland, and sports fields. Former Deputy Superintendent (DS) of Adiala Jail, Chaudhry Ayub, emphasizes the high security of the facility, noting the need for the Islamabad Jail to be completed promptly for easier management. According to Ajab Gul, an ex-prisoner, bribes ensure the availability of all types of prohibited food and beverages, with prices being double those in the market. If one has money, even a mobile phone contact is easily arranged. Since the detention of the PTI founder, the jail's security system has been tightened, with thorough cell checks and rigorous procedures.
