ISLAMABAD: PPP politician and former Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani claimed that the civilian space given to the military during the previous administration’s term was “unprecedented,” while also blaming the previous PTI government for “an expanded role” of the establishment in government matters.
The PPP leader claimed in a statement released on Sunday that while historically there has been a strong military slant in civil-military relations, the PTI government “was a government of the establishment, for the establishment, and by the establishment.”
He asserted that “others” rather than the speaker of the National Assembly and the chairman of the Senate dominated Parliament during the PTI-led government.
Mr. Rabbani said that “the others,” as opposed to the staff of the parliament, had reviewed motions, questions, and other instruments of parliamentary supervision.He asserted that the establishment ensured that members were present in the chamber for votes on important matters.
Critical discussions or decisions pertaining to national security and foreign policy were made outside of Parliament, the speaker continued.
According to Mr. Rabbani, the establishment was involved in all significant decisions and there was an increased militarization of civil institutions.
He added that the establishment had maintained the coalition government led by the PTI.
He said that 25 autonomous or semi-independent groups and organisations were led by active-duty or retired military commanders during the previous administration.
Mr. Rabbani emphasised the significance of resolving this imbalance and offered three solutions.
