The Dialogue Group on Civil Military Relations convened by PILDAT noted with concern that the Civil Military relationship in Pakistan in recent weeks has suffered a set back for various reasons. At a time when the country faces critical internal and external challenges, the leadership of both Civil and the Military institutions needs to secure and demonstrate cohesion, mutual trust and respect.

The Group stressed that the Cabinet Committee on National Security (CCNS) has been designed to be an effective channel of communication and both sides should use this forum and refrain from making public statements. The CCNS should start meeting, at least on a fortnightly basis, to discuss the enormous challenges facing the country and to make sure that all the stakeholders are on the same page on issues of national security. Informal one-on-one meetings between the Prime Minister and the COAS are not a substitute for structured meetings of the Cabinet Committee on National Security. Issues such as the question of release of prisoners, dialogue with the TTP, the emerging situation in Afghanistan, the situation in Balochistan and the PPO, etc. are some of the questions that should be discussed regularly in the CCNS.

The Group has stressed that the Prime Minister should appoint a full-time Defence Minister who can give full attention to such an important ministry. Similarly, the Premier should also appoint a full time Foreign Minister and a full-time National Security Advisor.

The Group also emphasised that while Gen. (Retd.) Pervez Musharraf, like every Pakistani citizen, should be given all the opportunities for a fair trial, efforts by all State organs should be made to ensure that the law takes its course in an unhindered manner. It is the responsibility of the Government and all its institutions to educate citizens on the significance of uniform applicability of the rule of law and the vital importance of strengthening authentic, accountable democracy.

Members who joined the meeting, with Gen. (Retd.) Ehsan-ul-Haq in the chair, included Maj. Gen (Retd.) Athar Abbas, former DG ISPR, Mr. Omar Khan Afridi, former Federal Minister, Lt. Gen (Retd.) Humayun Bangash, former Ambassador, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Mahmud Ali Durrani, former National Security Advisor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Moinuddin Haider, former Governor Sindh, Mr. Javed Jabbar, former Federal Minister, Lt. Gen (Retd.) Talat Masood, former Secretary Defence Production, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Khalid Mir, former Ambassador, Mr. Rustam Shah Mohmand, former Federal Secretary; Mr. Asraf Jahangir Qazi, former Ambassador, Mr. Saleem Safi, Senior Journalist, Mr. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President PILDAT and Ms. Aasiya Riaz, Joint Director PILDAT.