Precisely.
And the storm clouds are only getting darker.
If I may say so, Pakistan is again in the process of outsourcing it's foreign and security policy in the garb of economic imperatives (read CPEC). I say 'again' because that has been the history of Pakistan since inception, rather since 1950. It started well, but lost it's way 1950 onwards.
And I will not even get into the Iran angle cropping up and my favorite prediction of Baluchistan 'exploding' as a consequence of the intervention being planned in Iran. I digress. Sorry.
When the security establishment is intertwined intrinsically with the commercial and economic activities within a National System, and is in a position to formulate/influence the political directives, mold the political perspective of the nation and continue to subvert the institutions and mechanisms that strengthen the fabric of a nation, it not only remains a viable threat to the nation, but indeed is the foremost threat.
Let us dispassionately examine the environment of PDF itself, a very micro subset of the issue that is being faced. There is a member here who has already called out to find "
the double-faced hypocrites who talk against the country and its military behind the closed doors while pretending to be loyal to the country in public". I am sure you can appreciate the irony here, the nation is being identified with the armed forces and the reverse.
@Mangus Ortus Novem aptly used the term
shadenfreude to sum up the situation here. What I lament is the fact that there is a deliberate attempt here itself, to perpetuate a narrative that is in line with that of the Security Establishment and not examine the issues as pertinent to Pakistan itself.
For example, the predominance of the narrative of a larger India out to destroy the Pakistani State. Yet the contradiction in the same narrative is exemplified by the oft stated 'fact' of the failure of India to do so because of a strong Pakistan.
Take a step back and examine the paradox which is apparent here. If the Pakistani State is strong enough to rebut any Indian 'misadventure' militarily, the next logical step is to strengthen the weaknesses that are undermining the state itself. When the esteemed member @Magnus Ortus Novem refers to the strategic security, it has economic and social security as the inalienable component of the same. To assume a strategic strength without core strengthening, is a folly that has befell many a nation.
If we look at the issues which come to fore, it is the rabid radicalization in segments of population that not only challenge the writ of the State, but are also increasingly mainstreaming their activity in grab of political activism by creating a charade of democracy. And of course, the fundamental weakness in economy, serially mortgaging the national pride to secure monetary help to tide over rampant fiscal imprudence, sheer incompetence across the spectrum and branches of government and the further degradation of the Pakistani Economy by favorable terms being granted to allow a foreign country to create an ecosystem where the only tangible benefits that accrue are of creation of a certain amount of low skill jobs in terms of service provision. I am sure that a comprehensive study on the impact of the project itself, has not been undertaken/publicised.
The issue remains, that until and unless a fundamental rethink is undertaken by the public in Pakistan, and platforms such as PDF continue to parrot the official line as enunciated by the Security Establishment and not the Government (we have plenty of those too, where the Security Establishment has more credence than GoP) thereby failing to educate the masses, Pakistan is in for a very dark period ahead.
The recent policy moves, like release of a UN proscribed Terror 'enthusiast' are only going to increase the woes for Pakistan as a whole.
My concern is that policy appears to be totally adrift right now, and this will lead to a less-than-optimal bailout package in the near future, with more pain for the common man than necessary.
I beg to differ here. There is no adrift policy. There is a systematic charade being played out wherein the viability of CPEC as a 'savior' project is being played out. Honestly, do an appraisal, who stands to gain the most?
As many a members here claim, India is in no position militarily to 'destroy' Pakistan. Also the 'Iron Brother' angle is oft touted. What stops Pakistan from addressing it's pressing needs?
Weak economy is a security risk. But the leaders who dont take steps to strengthen it by bringing reforms are bigger security risk.
Who is the leader? First the average Pakistani has to decide. Is it the Civil elected leadership? Or the military leadership which has called the shots directly/indirectly for all but three years of the State of Pakistan?
The examples are here a plenty. It is indeed humorous to find the Security Establishment commenting
publicly on the policy directives of the Political Leadership.
There is no policy right now. The only policy is how to save the emperor Sharif from corruption charges.
There is only policy of personal interests ruling supreme. The polity is corrupt - everywhere. Take the example of India, the polity is corrupt. What allowed it to break of the shackles and be om it's way of economic development?
Yes, a answer worthy of a Beauty pageant winner.
Only thing missing was "world peace".
I am glad that the irony of the situation is not lost on you. That such an educated and rational post is being made in such an increasingly illogical and downright malicious environment, is indeed worthy of the same.
Thanks for sharing the sentiment.
Well there is always room for improvement. Since when did an Israeli/Indian care so much for the Pakistani economy.
I will answer this question, even though your post was, I assume, an epitome of sarcasm.
I can answer for myself. For me Pakistan as a successful viable state is an imperative of Indian Security. Period.
