Islamabad: The nation’s top leader and top government official have not yet made any moves to address their possible involvement in easing the growing conflict between the judiciary and the military/security establishment.
In the past few weeks, there has been an unprecedented rise in tension between the judiciary and the establishment, which has raised concerns about the possibility of a serious crisis if the situation is not addressed.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have remained passive observers thus far, without making any statements or showing any intention to mediate between the two parties.
Experts believe that in such circumstances, it is crucial for the president and the prime minister to not remain indifferent, as a confrontation between the judiciary and the military establishment could have detrimental effects on the entire system and the country as a whole.
A political source expressed disappointment at the complete silence from both the president and the prime minister, stating that they have a role to play in resolving the issue. It is suggested that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif either consult with President Asif Ali Zardari or take the initiative himself.
As the head of state and the supreme commander of the armed forces, the president is in a better position to prevent conflicts between the institutions. Both the president and the prime minister have the option of convening a meeting at the Presidency, inviting the chief justice of Pakistan, all chief justices, and top members of the military and security establishment to address the underlying issues causing tension.
In response to a letter from six judges of the Islamabad High Court, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa had invited Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a meeting at the Supreme Court building. Although they agreed to establish a commission led by former CJP Tassaduq Hussain Jillani, Jillani declined the offer due to pressure from lawyers, political parties, and social media.
Following the judges’ letter, the CJP initiated suo moto action and constituted a larger bench to address the case.
In order to prevent a direct confrontation between the judiciary and the security establishment, it has been recommended by independent observers that the president and the prime minister should step in.
Last year, senior officials from the ISI and MI held discussions with the former chief justice of Pakistan and two other apex court judges to resolve tensions surrounding a case in Punjab.
To ease tensions and prevent further conflicts, it is suggested that the president extend an invitation to the chief justice of Pakistan and all chief justices of the high courts to meet with top military and security establishment officials. The prime minister’s presence in the meeting is also deemed important.
