Pakistan army pushed political role for militant-linked groups

[Secur]

Sir, please tell me when was the last time a religious party won elections in Pakistan. Except for MMA in KPK (then NWFP) short and last stunt which capitalised on the anti establishment sentiment of the people for joining the WoT, no religious party has been able to win an election in Pakistan. Jamat-e-Islami is arguably the old party but never got enough seat even to form a credible opposition.

You don't have to actually win an election to cause significant and at times irreparable damage. Jamaat-e-Islami is a prime example of it. Even during the time, when this country was suffering from worst terrorism and insanity in its streets, this particular religious party was out supporting the Taliban and its support wasn't veiled but open and explicit. While the army was fighting the terrorists, this political party which has never formed a Central Govt was making deliberate excuses for the terrorists, trying to raise support for their cause, casting doubts and propagating conspiracy theories for their bomb blasts/random killings (in short on every single thing which invite public anger and would turn the popular narrative against the terrorists), opposing the military operation and demanding that army be pulled out of the tribal areas. When a certain TTP leader was killed in a drone strike, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami was extremely quick to declare him a martyr and while the JUI-F chief said how he considered even a dog martyr if he died fighting Americans. The statements became a headache even for the army then, because the party's response was that it stands by what its leader said and military shouldn't interfere in politics. Imagine, having all the king's men and all the king's horses in the world, but lacking the public support to fight. Imagine, knowing where the enemies are, but hesitating to strike them, because the public won't approve later. Think what does it do to the morale of the troops, when certain religious figures declare that funeral prayers shouldn't be offered to people who have died fighting the Taliban. Now imagine, giving these people the same protection and influence, enjoyed by the political parties, in the country. Not to mention, the lose of face, at the International stage. The day it happens, those who oppose Pakistan, will have a field day. American allegations would be proven right and Pakistan's allies would find it extremely difficult to support it openly. And even if all that might not happen? Why take the chance? Why not nip the evil in the bud seriously?

 

[war&peace]

You don't have to actually win an election to cause significant and at times irreparable damage. Jamaat-e-Islami is a prime example of it. Even during the time, when this country was suffering from worst terrorism and insanity in its streets, this particular religious party was out supporting the Taliban and its support wasn't veiled but open and explicit. While the army was fighting the terrorists, this political party which has never formed a Central Govt was making deliberate excuses for the terrorists, trying to raise support for their cause, casting doubts and propagating conspiracy theories for their bomb blasts/random killings (in short on every single thing which invite public anger and would turn the popular narrative against the terrorists), opposing the military operation and demanding that army be pulled out of the tribal areas. When a certain TTP leader was killed in a drone strike, the Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami was extremely quick to declare him a martyr and while the JUI-F chief said how he considered even a dog martyr if he died fighting Americans. The statements became a headache even for the army then, because the party's response was that it stands by what its leader said and military shouldn't interfere in politics. Imagine, having all the king's men and all the king's horses in the world, but lacking the public support to fight. Imagine, knowing where the enemies are, but hesitating to strike them, because the public won't approve later. Think what does it do to the morale of the troops, when certain religious figures declare that funeral prayers shouldn't be offered to people who have died fighting the Taliban. Now imagine, giving these people the same protection and influence, enjoyed by the political parties, in the country. Not to mention, the lose of face, at the International stage. The day it happens, those who oppose Pakistan, will have a field day. American allegations would be proven right and Pakistan's allies would find it extremely difficult to support it openly. And even if all that might not happen? Why take the chance? Why not nip the evil in the bud seriously?

I agree...to large extent.. And I feel that the establishment is at times unnecessarily afraid or lethargic to act against such elements and over estimating their power/popularity. For example the maulvi Burqa ( sorry I forgot his name) ...He must be in the jail at least...though if I'm to decide, I will hang him publicly.

But the issue is that it shouldn't be the army doing the dirty work. It has to be done by your civilian govt but they are always playing in the hands of the enemies and anti-Pakistan elements so as to protect their corruption.

Will all due respect sir, what I didn't get yet is why are you saying that they (religious extremists) will assume power? What makes you say so I mean what's that you are seeing and I don't? ..because honestly I don't see a chance and with PTI as an option, the prospect of it happening are over.