Just Who Wields The Clout In Pakistan?

[OrionHunter]

Who is pulling the levers of power in Pakistan -- the civilian government or the powerful military? Khar has admitted that the controversy over 'memogate' had provoked questions about the authority of the civilian government in Pakistan, and created the impression that the powerful military led by army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani is pulling the levers of power.

"Sadly it does (raise the questions)," she said. "I cannot deny that, and that's an unfortunate part that something as ludicrous as this could raise more questions. It doesn't take much to be able to raise those questions," Khar told BBC.

Asked specifically who had the upper hand - the civilian government or the army, the sauve Khar replied that it was "an evolutionary process".

"You cannot change things overnight. The army has had a larger-than-life role to play in Pakistan's history." she said.

But she should know that had it not been for the Pak Army, Pakistan would have disintegrated long ago. It is unfortunate that the so called democratically elected government is a lame duck one, tottering from one crisis to another.

And Gilani has blinked today by coseying up to the US of A once again, never mind the 24 soldiers killed in an unprovoked attack by American led NATO Forces a couple of days ago. It seems politicians do have short memories and looks like it's 'forget and forgive'! He should have asked the families of those soldiers killed in that unprovoked attack first.

Unfortunately, it is a fact that neither can Pakistan do without the U.S. nor can America do without Pakistan - at least till the Afghanistan conflict occupies center stage. But 'forget and forgive' so soon? That's inexplicable!

The Free Press: Just who wields the clout in Pak?