Pakistan Government and Army at Odds Over Memo Scandal

Strategic Insights -

Tensions between the Pakistan government and the powerful army have reached a boiling point, with the government issuing a showcause notice to the Defence Secretary over his affidavit in the Supreme Court on the memo scandal. The move comes after Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retired) Khalid Naeem Lodhi submitted an affidavit stating that the Defence Ministry had "no operational control" over the army and Inter-Services Intelligence agency, prompting a stern criticism from Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. The PPP insiders further revealed that Lodhi's refusal to obey a directive from the government triggered Gilani's sharp criticism of the Pakistan Army, highlighting the deepening divisions between the civilian government and the military.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Pakistan government has issued a showcause notice to Defence Secretary Lt Gen (retired) Khalid Naeem Lodhi for submitting an affidavit on the memo scandal to the Supreme Court without seeking approval from the Defence Minister.
  • Lt Gen Lodhi's affidavit stated that the Defence Ministry had "no operational control" over the army and Inter-Services Intelligence agency, contradicting the government's stance on the issue.
  • Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's sharp criticism of the Pakistan Army on December 22 was triggered by Lt Gen Lodhi's refusal to obey a directive from the government to submit a fresh affidavit.
  • The PPP insiders revealed that the Defence Secretary's stand on the issue angered top PPP leaders, who believed it went against Gilani's remarks that all state institutions, including the army, were on the "same page" on key national issues.
  • The Supreme Court is examining several petitions seeking a probe into the memo scandal, with the army and ISI chiefs urging the court to order a probe into the scandal, saying it undermined national security.
  • The government has challenged the court's jurisdiction to hear the petitions, saying the issue is being investigated by a parliamentary committee.

Statistics:

  • 21st December: Lt Gen Lodhi submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court stating the Defence Ministry had "no operational control" over the army and Inter-Services Intelligence agency.
  • 22nd December: Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani issued two separate speeches criticizing the military, speaking of "intrigues and conspiracies" being hatched to "pack up" his government.
  • The PPP insiders revealed that the Defence Secretary's stand on the issue angered top PPP leaders, with officials of the PPP and other sources confirming this.
  • The army and the government have adopted divergent stands on the memo in the Supreme Court, with the army and ISI chiefs urging the court to order a probe into the scandal, saying it undermined national security.

Sources:

  • "At loggerheads with the powerful Army, the Pakistan government has issued a showcause notice to the Defence Secretary for submitting an affidavit on the memo scandal to the Supreme Court without seeking approval from the Defence Minister." - Sahara India Tele Vision, distributed by Contify.com
  • "Lt Gen (retired) Khalid Naeem Lodhi considered to be very close to army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, was issued the notice last week, official sources said." - Sahara India Tele Vision, distributed by Contify.com
  • "The PPP insiders further said Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's sharp criticism of the Pakistan Army on Thursday was triggered by Lodhi's refusal to obey a directive from the government." - Sahara India Tele Vision, distributed by Contify.com