Sunday, October 01, 2023

The Level Playing Field

 Much is being said about providing level playing field to various political parties in the upcoming general elections in Pakistan. 

The buldozer operators are acting on their own whims and prejudices, causing much distress to innocent, sincere and patriotic citizens.

The real issue is a poorly written constitution and the insolence of certain institutions that spare no opportunity of discrediting it. Insult is added to national injury by almost equal criminalization of political, civil, commercial and military entities where lust for laundered money rules Supreme.

The  Supreme Court  judges have extricated the appointment of CJ from politics by strictly following seniority for promotion and retiring routinely at fixed age.

The Army can benefit from following the same example,  rather than involving political wranglings.  The other option is to follow the parliamentary norm. Sack all starred generals every five years and recruit afresh on the basis of merit. The sacked ones should also be allowed to apply and compete in a well designed test of courage and integrity. The freshly appointed generals may then elect their Chief.