Pakistani Opposition Leader Warns Military Over Power Concentration

Pakistani opposition leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman has warned that the growing concentration of power within the military establishment threatens the country's stability. Speaking at a public gathering in Multan on Friday, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam chief stated that Pakistan can only function properly when the military, bureaucracy, and elected institutions stay within their constitutional limits.

Recent Political Tensions

Mr. Rehman criticized the federal administration led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calling it a fake government of powerless rulers that lacks a true electoral mandate. His remarks follow the imposition of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on October 11, a move executed by President Asif Ali Zardari that removed the provincial government of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Mr. Rehman previously condemned that decision as an attack on democracy and also targeted the Pakistan Peoples Party over the move.

Government Response

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz strongly reacted to Mr. Rehman's statements, stating that his comments about Army Chief Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir hurt every patriotic Pakistani. She accused him of backing individuals responsible for mismanagement and corruption in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa instead of holding them accountable.

Context

Civil-military relations have long played a central role in Pakistan's political landscape, with debates frequently arising over the political influence of military and bureaucratic institutions compared to elected civilian bodies. Tensions often peak during provincial government dismissals and changes in federal leadership.