The Pakistan army has always played a central role in national politics, sometimes upfront and at other times from behind the scenes. For close to 30 years, it has ruled directly by imposing martial law. And even when civilian governments are in office, it remains active behind the screen, calling the shots, especially on security and foreign policy issues.

After the departure of General Musharraf from the national scene and restoration of democracy in the country in 2008, a major policy shift was noticed with General Kayani scrupulously keeping the army away from the din and bustle of civilian politics. In his speeches he openly voiced support for the democratic process and said it was for the politicians to sort things out. When the PPP government faltered and failed to deliver, he strongly rejected suggestions for a military takeover to set things right.

Against this background, General Kayani's speech on the occasion of Yaum-e-Shuhadaa at GHQ last week was notable for making some important points about the role of the army vis-a-vis the current democratic process and the ongoing war against terrorism. As some analysts have put it, General Kayani held out firm reassurances to dispel the doubts and apprehensions expressed by some quarters about the coming elections and the future of democracy in Pakistan: "Allah willing, general elections will be held in the country on the 11th of May. We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it."
He pointed out that the next elections provided a historic opportunity to usher in an era of true democratic values in the country. He said the only way to strengthen the roots of democracy in the country was the free and true exercise of their right of franchise and participation of the masses in the electoral process. At the same time, he cautioned that for true democracy to flourish it was important that the people should rise above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence: "Our salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistan is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to the larger public interest over personal interests. Otherwise, be it democracy or dictatorship, governance would continue to remain a means of self-aggrandizement and that of plundering national wealth and resources."

This part of his speech has been interpreted as a censure of the PPP government's dismal performance with special reference to the spate of financial scandals that rocked it throughout its five-year tenure. Some commentators have analysed General Kayani's words as a response to the criticism directed at the army for remaining a passive spectator to the loot and plunder of the national exchequer as well as a veiled warning about the sustainability of a corrupt democracy.

General Kayani also took the occasion to dispel fears about the violence ahead of the May 11 polls, and assured that the militants would not be allowed to disrupt the electoral process. He said that the Pakistan army was committed wholeheartedly to assist and support the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, to the best of their capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution: "I also assure you that this support will solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and the rule of law in the country." He said that like every Pakistani, the Pakistan army has in the last five years played its role in strengthening democracy with the hope that the next elections would steer the country towards a better future. But he significantly added that democracy was not an end itself but a means to enhance the welfare and prosperity of the people. He emphasised that the success of democracy is intimately linked with the well being of the masses, and if this objective is not served, democracy loses its meaning and purpose.

The war on terror has sparked an endless debate in the country about its nature, scope and goals. While the conservative school of thought says it is somebody else's war, the secular parties take the stand that it is very much our war for our own survival. In his speech General Kayani spelt out the army policy line on this vital national issue. He pointed out that the menace of terrorism and extremism has claimed thousands of lives, including those of the Army, Rangers, FC, Police, Frontier Constabulary, Levies and innocent people of Pakistan. "If we include the injured and affected family members of the martyrs, the numbers increase manifold."

He regretted that some quarters were engaged in a futile debate about the causes of the war on terror and who imposed it on us. "While this may be important in itself but the fact of the matter is that today it is Pakistan and its valiant people who are a target of this war and are suffering tremendously." He clarified that there is a small group of misguided people who want to enforce their distorted ideology on the entire nation by taking up arms. They openly defy the Constitution of Pakistan and the democratic process and are committing all kinds of atrocities and bloodshed. In these circumstances, the fight against this enemy of the state cannot be interpreted as constituting someone else's war.

The army chief called upon the concerned quarters not to confuse the people of Pakistan and soldiers and weaken their resolve with such misgivings. "We must not hurt the sentiments of these saviours of the nation through our words and deeds." He said that it was a gross misrepresentation of the truth to consider the war against terror as the war of the armed forces alone. He said that the war was not being fought only by the FC, Rangers, Police, Frontier Constabulary and Levies, who have sacrificed tremendously in the struggle against terrorism and extremism and have kept the flag of Pakistan fluttering high. Sacrifices have also been rendered by the people of Pakistan, whose steadfastness and support has been a source of great strength for the armed forces of Pakistan.

In this connection he underlined the need to forge a consensus towards evolving a clear policy through mutual consultations which should be one of the major agenda issues of the democratic government. However, he said the door to reconciliation was not closed, provided all those who have strayed and picked up arms against the nation, return to the national fold. "This is only possible once they unconditionally submit to the state, its Constitution and the rule of law. There is no room for doubts when it comes to dealing with rebellion against the state." General Kayani's words should send a clear message to the terrorists challenging the writ of the State of Pakistan, and also to the political parties and forces who provide them ideological support.

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