Is Imran Khan the Pakistani military's 'favourite son'? [Al Jazeera]

[Loralai]

Interesting article in AJ today - worth a read for those interested.

Given Khan's personality and policy positions, there's reason to doubt that he is the army's blue-eyed boy.
by Michael Kugelman
6 hours ago

A big storyline in the lead up to Pakistan's July 25 election has been the nature of the relationship between Imran Khan, the cricket star-turned-politician and leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, and the country's powerful military.

According to the insinuations of some top leaders with the incumbent Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party, the military is working behind the scenes to engineer an electoral outcome that results in a government helmed by Khan. It's a theory - one could certainly call it a conspiracy theory - embraced by many commentators inside and outside Pakistan.

Indeed, Pakistan's army - which has held direct power for nearly half of Pakistan's 70-year existence, and has enjoyed an outsize role in politics when not in direct control - does have a strong incentive to undercut the PML-N, with which it sparred frequently in recent years, and to help propel the PML-N's main challenger, the PTI, to victory.

Indeed, events of recent weeks - arrests of PMLN members; dozens of parliamentarians throwing their support behind the PTI; the sentencing of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to prison less than three weeks before the poll; the sentencing of another top PML-N leader, Hanif Abbasi, to life in prison on drug smuggling charges just four days before the election; and the censoring of media outlets perceived to produce favourable coverage of Sharif - all point to the possibility of efforts by the military and a politicised judiciary to undercut the PML-N's electoral prospects.

However, the notion that the military would actually be comfortable with Khan as its man in Islamabad is questionable. Indeed, given considerations of personality and policy positions, there's reason to doubt that Khan is the military's blue-eyed boy.

The army prefers a predictable and pliable civilian leader. Khan, however, is known for being mercurial and stubborn. Even some of Khan's positive traits - like his charisma and supreme self-confidence - could be liabilities for the military, because these qualities suggest he would be unwilling to defer to higher authority. Cult of personality types aren't known for being submissive.

Ironically, a potentially more palatable prime minister choice for the military hails from the very party that the armed forces may be trying to undercut. Shehbaz Sharif, the brother of Nawaz, would be the PML-N's candidate for premier if it wins the election.

While lacking his brother's charisma, he has a solid reputation as a capable and steady politician, and he gets along well with the military. Strikingly, in a recent interview with the Financial Times, Shehbaz Sharif called for the PML-N and the military to improve their ties. If the military truly has a favourite son, Shehbaz Sharif may have a better claim to the title than does Imran Khan.

OPINION
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Gul Bukhari
by Gul Bukhari
Meanwhile, Khan expresses some views that are at odds with the military's. To be sure, there are many convergences - from Khan's strong desire to resolve the Kashmir dispute and his strong embrace of China to his refusal to criticise the military.

Khan regularly expresses strong support for Pakistan's armed forces, and he has signalled his willingness to work with the army. "It is the Pakistan Army and not an enemy army," he said in a New York Times interview in May. "I will carry the army with me."

In a country where the military's tentacles extend deep into politics, such comments from civilian leaders who aspire to ascend to the top echelons of power should come as no surprise.

And yet, dig a bit deeper, and the differences begin to emerge. Khan has taken strikingly positive positions towards Iran; he has lambasted US President Donald Trump for his anti-Iran speeches, and he has even said Pakistan should "become like" Iran.

Tehran is the bitter regional rival of Saudi Arabia, which enjoys a deep partnership with the Pakistani military. Indeed, last year, a former Pakistani army chief, Raheel Sharif, was appointed to lead a Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries focused on counterterrorism.

Khan also calls for better cooperation with India - a position that got Sharif in trouble with the army. Additionally, Khan's shrill and strident anti-American messaging - he once vowed to shoot down American drones if he were to be in power - likely unnerves the military, which hopes to salvage Pakistan's sputtering relationship with the US.

Furthermore, back in 2011, Khan faulted Pakistani counterterrorism efforts that entail sending troops to the country's tribal region "to kill our own people with American money".

In 2014, the army launched a new offensive against anti-state militants in North Waziristan even as Khan continued to call for peace talks with the Pakistan Taliban fighters that were then terrorising the country. The military is firmly behind these counterterrorism efforts - and welcomes the "American money" that helps finance them. Earlier this year, however, Washington suspended $1.1bn in aid amid worsening US-Pakistan ties.

In early 2018, Khan repeated his criticism that Pakistan shouldn't be fighting its own people.

Admittedly, Khan - acceding to the advice of top aides and acknowledging his inexperience holding the reins of national power - may well defer to the armed forces, and particularly on matters of foreign policy that have long been the purview of the army.


Pakistan election: Is Imran Khan's party on the rise?
However, given his personality, it's hard to imagine him happily ceding ground and giving in to the military; he's more likely to defy than to defer. Accordingly, there's a strong possibility that a Prime Minister Khan would spar with the military, exacerbating tensions in a civil-military relationship that already experienced ample strain during the last few years of the PML-N-led government. Such a dynamic could usher in a fresh period of political volatility in Pakistan.

Ultimately, for Pakistan's military, the type of government is more important than the person that leads it. A weak and divided coalition is easier to influence and exploit than is a strong and united administration led by one party.

In a fractious coalition, even a strong-willed and determined leader like Khan may struggle to carve out policy space and act independently. In fact, there's a fair chance that if Pakistan's next government is a coalition, Khan would not serve in it. In an interview with BBC Urdu this month, Khan declared that the PTI would not partner with the PML-N or the Pakistan People's Party in a coalition.

If the election does result in the need for a coalition, then there is a high likelihood that one of those two parties - the PTI's two chief electoral competitors - would be in the mix.

With the July 25 election promising to be a closely contested affair and likely to result in a hung parliament - whereby no one party gains an absolute majority, necessitating the crafting of a coalition - the military may well get what it wants. As it so often does in a nation where it has always cast such a long shadow.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.

https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/o...i-military-favourite-son-180723044709061.html

 

[Mamoon]

Nawaz Sharif has bought international media for 400 arab rupees.

 

[slipcatch]

Trying too hard.

It would have made sense had army cooked up a case against Sharif.

Panama leak had no ISI involvement. Quite a few poltician had to resign or went to jail over that leak, not only in Pakistan.

All Army did was to not make a deal or safe NS. Basically, Noora's and Anti-army are upset about Army not helping them out.

And nothing wrong in if Army has preference over one.

 

[Mamoon]

Another day, another article in international media that has exposed the involvement of the military in our politics and the way Imran is dancing to their turns to gain power.

The boots must be sweating in GHQ right now, this is certainly not part of the script. They can control Pakistani media, but the last thing they wanted was negative publicity in international media.

As I said earlier, their days of spreading anarchy in Pakistan and interfering in politics are numbered - the rise of social media and the international forums questioning their motives will make it very difficult for them to rig elections in the future.

 

[ManFan]

Another day, another article in international media that has exposed the involvement of the military in our politics and the way Imran is dancing to their turns to gain power.

The boots must be sweating in GHQ right now, this is certainly not part of the script. They can control Pakistani media, but the last thing they wanted was negative publicity in international media.

As I said earlier, their days of spreading anarchy in Pakistan and interfering in politics are numbered - the rise of social media and the international forums questioning their motives will make it very difficult for them to rig elections in the future.

Not one election since 65’ has been without “the referee in khakis”.

 

[Mamoon]

Not one election since 65’ has been without “the referee in khakis”.

Yes, but things will change in the future. People are becoming increasingly aware and now they have platforms to voice their opinions. It won’t happen overnight, but I think the process is already in place.

 

[Mamoon]

Another day, another article in international media that has exposed the involvement of the military in our politics and the way Imran is dancing to their turns to gain power.

The boots must be sweating in GHQ right now, this is certainly not part of the script. They can control Pakistani media, but the last thing they wanted was negative publicity in international media.

As I said earlier, their days of spreading anarchy in Pakistan and interfering in politics are numbered - the rise of social media and the international forums questioning their motives will make it very difficult for them to rig elections in the future.

tunes*

 

[slipcatch]

Another day, another article in international media that has exposed the involvement of the military in our politics and the way Imran is dancing to their turns to gain power.

The boots must be sweating in GHQ right now, this is certainly not part of the script. They can control Pakistani media, but the last thing they wanted was negative publicity in international media.

As I said earlier, their days of spreading anarchy in Pakistan and interfering in politics are numbered - the rise of social media and the international forums questioning their motives will make it very difficult for them to rig elections in the future.

Maybe Army has no intention in rigging the election.

if they did they would have made deal with Noora like in Past.

 

[Mamoon]

Maybe Army has no intention in rigging the election.

if they did they would have made deal with Noora like in the Past.

They have found a new toy in Imran Khan, and they have already rigged this election.

 

[Loralai]

The worlds eyes are on Pakistan and on our army's behaviour in these elections.

I sincerely hope there is no interference from the third umpire on the day of the elections. We need democracy to survive.

 

[Mamoon]

The worlds eyes are on Pakistan and on our army's behaviour in these elections.

I sincerely hope there is no interference from the third umpire on the day of the elections. We need democracy to survive.

Pre-poll rigging is already nearly complete. Now it is up to the people to vote for civil supremacy.

 

[slipcatch]

They have found a new toy in Imran Khan, and they have already rigged this election.

How?

provide an example and evidence.

And please do not say, Nawas Sharif is still in Jail.

 

[slipcatch]

The worlds eyes are on Pakistan and on our army's behaviour in these elections.

I sincerely hope there is no interference from the third umpire on the day of the elections. We need democracy to survive.

Worlds eye has always been on Pakistan, nothing new.

Let's not sensationalizes

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION]

I think the 400 crore that Shehbaz Sharif stole in the clean water scheme were used to partially buy the loyalty of international media.

I think now we know where that money went.

 

[Slog]

Lol has anyone even read the article before posting their thoughtless, copy-paste rants?

The article is for the most part actually casting doubt on the idea that Imran Khan could be a military stooge

 

[enkidu_]

Nawaz Sharif has bought international media for 400 arab rupees.

Have you actually bothered reading the articles ? Kugelman says that, if anything, the best candidate for the military would be Shehbaz Sharif, and Gul Bukhari is also surprisingly nuanced (considering her bias).

 

[slipcatch]

Have you actually bothered reading the articles ? Kugelman says that, if anything, the best candidate for the military would be Shehbaz Sharif, and Gul Bukhari is also surprisingly nuanced (considering her bias).

ISI nor Army was involved in releasing Panama leaks.

 

[Mamoon]

How?

provide an example and evidence.

And please do not say, Nawas Sharif is still in Jail.

Evidence?

Look at the way Imran Khan has gone from “military rigged election for PML-N” to “military is the only corrupt free organization” in the country.

How can an organization be corrupt free if they rigged elections in the past? Or now that PTI looks to be in poll position, they have finally become corruption free?

Sheikh Rasheed had the exact same case as Nawaz Sharif, with no more or less evidence, but he hasn’t been disqualified.

Imran Khan has been running from his foreign funding case for four years now, but no one is bothered about it. Where is the Article 62-63 now?

KP govt wasted billions of rupees in the metro bus project, and Pervez Khattak has been quick to delegate the blame on the Asian Development Bank, even though, on October 19, he claimed that the PTI will complete this project within six months within the specified budget (which has been doubled now).

Had that happened, Pervez Khattak would be tooting his horn. Why is he not being held accountable now?

Furthermore, the bill for “refreshments” in KP House Islamabad over the last three years is over 20 crore rupees. What were they having for refreshments, and where are they buying their tea and biscuits from?

Why is this not being investigated, and if PTI is so clean and transparent, why doesn’t Pervez Khattak come up with the actual bill and show us that it’s nothing but propaganda against him?

These are just some of the examples. It is very obvious that different standards have been established for PTI, and that only happens when the establishment is on your side.

 

[Mamoon]

Lol has anyone even read the article before posting their thoughtless, copy-paste rants?

The article is for the most part actually casting doubt on the idea that Imran Khan could be a military stooge

Have you actually bothered reading the articles ? Kugelman says that, if anything, the best candidate for the military would be Shehbaz Sharif, and Gul Bukhari is also surprisingly nuanced (considering her bias).

Their conclusions don’t matter. No one is going to call Imran an Army stooge just because a particular journalist thinks that he is or isn’t, but the only thing that matters is that this debate is being raised in international media, and people have started to question the role of the military in our politics.

This is the beginning of the end for the military as far as involvement in politics is concerned.

 

[IMMY69]

Lol has anyone even read the article before posting their thoughtless, copy-paste rants?

The article is for the most part actually casting doubt on the idea that Imran Khan could be a military stooge

The stupidity of PMLN supporters knows no bounds.

Some disgraceful and ridiculous threads/posts regarding IK.

Firstly, for the first time in our history all the stars aligned. We have a working, independant judiciary, an impartial military chief in Bajwa and a party that stands for the poor people of Pakistan.

This is the moment when the course of the country can be changed and yet we have dispicable people that are so entrenched in corruption that they're willing to vote for crooks and murderers to keep the status quo. So warped are their minds that they are litterally throwing our conspiracy theories backed by no facts whatsoever.

 

[Asim_khan]

Another day, another article in international media that has exposed the involvement of the military in our politics and the way Imran is dancing to their turns to gain power.

The boots must be sweating in GHQ right now, this is certainly not part of the script. They can control Pakistani media, but the last thing they wanted was negative publicity in international media.

As I said earlier, their days of spreading anarchy in Pakistan and interfering in politics are numbered - the rise of social media and the international forums questioning their motives will make it very difficult for them to rig elections in the future.

"The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance."

It's Michael Kugleman. Nuff said. And I've yet to see any hard evidence beyond rhona dhona that the military is involved in rigging, the only pre-poll rigging we've had evidence of was in Sehwan courtesy of PPP's Murad Ali Shah, something even Gul Patwari Bukhari was forced to admit.

 

[enkidu_]

Their conclusions don’t matter. No one is going to call Imran an Army stooge just because a particular journalist thinks that he is or isn’t, but the only thing that matters is that this debate is being raised in international media, and people have started to question the role of the military in our politics.

This is the beginning of the end for the military as far as involvement in politics is concerned.

The way you were indulging into sarcasms looked like 1) you read the authors' opinion and 2) they were going in your way ("Imran Khan is the military's puppet").

That isn't the case for both of the authors (when even someone like Gul Bukhari doesn't say it so unequivocally it should send you dangerous signals, actually.)

 

[Mamoon]

The way you were indulging into sarcasms looked like 1) you read the authors' opinion and 2) they were going in your way ("Imran Khan is the military's puppet").

That isn't the case for both of the authors (when even someone like Gul Bukhari doesn't say it so unequivocally it should send you dangerous signals, actually.)

My sarcasm is for people who deny the involvement of the military in our politics. If there was no involvement, this debate would not be raised in international forums. Also, the convenience of XYZ is in Nawaz’s pocket doesn’t fit here either.

 

[slipcatch]

Evidence?

Look at the way Imran Khan has gone from “military rigged election for PML-N” to “military is the only corrupt free organization” in the country.
Not an evidence

How can an organization be corrupt free if they rigged elections in the past? Or now that PTI looks to be in poll position, they have finally become corruption free?

Sheikh Rasheed had the exact same case as Nawaz Sharif, with no more or less evidence, but he hasn’t been disqualified.
Haven't read about his case so i can't answer, but will read into it

Imran Khan has been running from his foreign funding case for four years now, but no one is bothered about it. Where is the Article 62-63 now?
Running from where? Do you think if the Supreme court were to call him then he would not come to the party?

KP govt wasted billions of rupees in the metro bus project, and Pervez Khattak has been quick to delegate the blame on the Asian Development Bank, even though, on October 19, he claimed that the PTI will complete this project within six months within the specified budget (which has been doubled now).
Inexcusable, not going to defend.

Had that happened, Pervez Khattak would be tooting his horn. Why is he not being held accountable now?

Furthermore, the bill for “refreshments” in KP House Islamabad over the last three years is over 20 crore rupees. What were they having for refreshments, and where are they buying their tea and biscuits from?
i guess expensive biscuits

Why is this not being investigated, and if PTI is so clean and transparent, why doesn’t Pervez Khattak come up with the actual bill and show us that it’s nothing but propaganda against him?

These are just some of the examples. It is very obvious that different standards have been established for PTI, and that only happens when the establishment is on your side.

Establishment is on their side, nothing wrong in preference. But what is funny about is that Noora crying foul this time.

Some may have problem with establishment involvement, I do too, but let's face this, this is Pakistan, first time two different parties were able to complete their terms.

It will take time and it will happen and it can't happen without Establishment.

I am sure once the democracy of Pakistan is perfected according to needs of Pakistan then Army will be sidelined.

Imran Khan is the part of that process.

PML-N and PPP and MQM with Nawas, Zardari and Altaf can't be part of the process .

 

[Mamoon]

"The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance."

It's Michael Kugleman. Nuff said. And I've yet to see any hard evidence beyond rhona dhona that the military is involved in rigging, the only pre-poll rigging we've had evidence of was in Sehwan courtesy of PPP's Murad Ali Shah, something even Gul Patwari Bukhari was forced to admit.

Like I said, the credibility of the author or his/her personal opinion does not matter. The only thing that matters at this point is that this topic is being debated in international forums, which will create awareness in our ignorant public.

With articles like these, international media continues to expose the truth that has been hiding for far too long.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=138463]Slog[/MENTION]

Sorry for the multiple quotes, I keep forgetting to uncheck your post.

 

[Vegitto1]

Dawn CEO: The military is involved in rigging the upcoming elections

BBC Interviewer: What is your evidence?

Dawn CEO: The tweets by ISPR trolls on social media.

Enough said!

 

[Mamoon]

The stupidity of PMLN supporters knows no bounds.

Some disgraceful and ridiculous threads/posts regarding IK.

Firstly, for the first time in our history all the stars aligned. We have a working, independant judiciary, an impartial military chief in Bajwa and a party that stands for the poor people of Pakistan.

This is the moment when the course of the country can be changed and yet we have dispicable people that are so entrenched in corruption that they're willing to vote for crooks and murderers to keep the status quo. So warped are their minds that they are litterally throwing our conspiracy theories backed by no facts whatsoever.

I know I am on your ignore list, but I am sorry I couldn’t resist.

Independent judiciary? The CJ is nothing more than an ISI puppet.

Bajwa may as well be impartial individually, but he nothing to do with the ISI controlling things from behind the curtains.

Party that stands for the poor people? Please explain the billions that have been wasted on the flop metro bus project in Peshawar, and the 20 crore rupees chai that Pervez Khattak drank in the last three years.

Imagine how many “poor lives” can change with these 20 crore?

All the stars aligning? This is so cute. How lovely it is too see all the stars aligning as soon as PTI is in poll position to sweep the elections.

 

[Asim_khan]

Like I said, the credibility of the author or his/her personal opinion does not matter. The only thing that matters at this point is that this topic is being debated in international forums, which will create awareness in our ignorant public.

With articles like these, international media continues to expose the truth that has been hiding for far too long.

An 'ignorant' public who don't jump to conclusions off the back of rhona dhona are preferable to the lifafas doing somersaults cos their packet is about to be cut off. Once again, there's no solid evidence in favour of a systematic rig c/o of the army in favour of PTI. The only evidence thus far has been against PPP, if you're talking conspiracy theories whilst actual rigging is going on, you're part of the problem

 

[Mamoon]

Dawn CEO: The military is involved in rigging the upcoming elections

BBC Interviewer: What is your evidence?

Dawn CEO: The tweets by ISPR trolls on social media.

Enough said!

I have to admit, that was nearly as stupid as Imran Khan’s justification for taking a u-turn on electables.

However, nothing beats Pervez Khattak’s response to the failure of the metro bus project.

 

[Syed1]

Guys see how army is forcing people in main Lahore to not vote for Noon league, sad state of affairs. Such brainwashing, pre-poll rigging

 

[Bewal Express]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION]

I think the 400 crore that Shehbaz Sharif stole in the clean water scheme were used to partially buy the loyalty of international media.

I think now we know where that money went.

Nooras will try to bribe anything that moves but the international media dont need money,its loyalty. Just look at why Altaf has got away with murder whilst living in London, why these articles always back AZ or NS and gloss over the billions stolen. Its the reasons the Ind are up in arms as to the loss of their agent, who by the way could not bring himself to call Yadav a spy.

 

[shaaik]

Why are we not talking about the past govts. Corruption and their misgoverence here ??? Why have we made into establishment vs pmln ppp mqm etc.
Who so ever designed this strategy for pmln deserves the highest accolades for it. I mean how cunningly have they managed to deceive the masses. The brains behind this hv to be the masters of deception. Someone who could even given an Israeli mossad a run for their money ..

 

[yasir]

Yes, but things will change in the future. People are becoming increasingly aware and now they have platforms to voice their opinions. It won’t happen overnight, but I think the process is already in place.

I am not sure about that, opposition to Army was strong with vibrant left(even then back in 1988, they did not bothered), but they has systematically eradicated left, and planted more and more religious group, who are extension of Military ideology. This time two different extremist/terrorist groups have filled 700 candidates, that is an unprecedented amount of extremist, this is in time, when we are supposed to have cleaned them up...They are doubling down on extremist at the same time making sure, left is completely wiped out...

Pakistan is going in opposite direction, that too for 4 decades, things are not improving, we are blind folded by the concerns of rest of the world. Now Army has found a new financier(China), who give credit on far less conditions, they think they have leverage to crack down even more and don't have to listen to Western standards. Soon they will find a way to crack down on social media as well, maybe taking a leaf from the page of China...

 

[slipcatch]

I am not sure about that, opposition to Army was strong with vibrant left(even then back in 1988, they did not bothered), but they has systematically eradicated left, and planted more and more religious group, who are extension of Military ideology. This time two different extremist/terrorist groups have filled 700 candidates, that is an unprecedented amount of extremist, this is in time, when we are supposed to have cleaned them up...They are doubling down on extremist at the same time making sure, left is completely wiped out...

Pakistan is going in opposite direction, that too for 4 decades, things are not improving, we are blind folded by the concerns of rest of the world. Now Army has found a new financier(China), who give credit on far less conditions, they think they have leverage to crack down even more and don't have to listen to Western standards. Soon they will find a way to crack down on social media as well, maybe taking a leaf from the page of China...

Almost 60+ channels exist in Pakistan.

People like Jibran Nasir are very vocal on social media and TV.

Social media isn't controlled in Pakistan, e.g PP

Anyone who does not follow similar ideology as yours isn't a terrorist nor everyone who isn't on the left side of the aisle.

Cleaning doesn't mean kill everyone who disagree with you. That isn't a solution.

Pakistan is heading to right direction at on its own pace provided the under current circumstances.

Western standard?

Army is openly criticized on the street and on the media. Let's stop spreading false narrative.

 

[saeed5646]

Oh dear me these n league supporter are worse in history of man kind .first read the whole article than jump like a monkey .


Mamoon you were fine poster in past but have lost any tiny credibility you have in my eyes .you have know become social media troll with specific agenda against pti and pakistan army .time to not take you serious and will put you on my ignore list

 

[Lonewarrior]

[MENTION=1269]Bewal Express[/MENTION]

I think the 400 crore that Shehbaz Sharif stole in the clean water scheme were used to partially buy the loyalty of international media.

I think now we know where that money went.

Ex-PML-N senator , Saif ur rehman accepted he bought the cover of TIME magazine to malign Benazir in 90s.

anything else ?