Ayesha Siddiqa criticised for suggesting undemocratic, authoritarian move against PM Imran Khan
Scholar and author, Dr Ayesha Siddiqa was criticised for suggesting former prime minister Mohammad Khan Junejo-like ouster for PM Imran Khan.
Renowned scholar author of ‘Military Inc.’, Dr Ayesha Siddiqa has been criticised for suggesting General-Zia era’s prime minister Mohammad Khan Junejo-like ouster for PM Imran Khan who is currently visiting Russia.
Dr Ayesha Siddiqa wrote on Twitter, “It seems that only way Pakistan can save itself from the negativity of an ill-timed Imran Khan Russia visit is to sack him while on tour like it happened with Junejo in 1989 that way it wouldn’t matter even if Putin uses the trip to advertise himself.”
Her tweet has surprised many netizens for giving an opinion indirectly favouring an undemocratic move that gave serious consequences to the country on the political grounds.
Siddiqa’s opinion came forth amid the ongoing efforts of the opposition parties to bring a no-confidence motion against PM Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led (PTI) government.
She surprisingly reminded the then prime minister Muhammad Khan Junejo’s ouster by the then military dictator General Zia-ul-Haq’s era in 1988 and hailed her opinion to repeat it.
She wrote on Twitter, “It seems that only way Pakistan can save itself from the negativity of an ill-timed Imran Khan Russia visit is to sack him while on tour like it happened with Junejo in 1989 [Note: Junejo was ousted in May 29, 1988] that way it wouldn’t matter even if Putin uses the trip to advertise himself.”
It seems that only way Pakistan can save itself from the negativity of an ill-timed Imran Khan Russia visit is to sack him while on tour like it happened with Junejo in 1989 that way it wouldn’t matter even if Putin uses the trip to advertise himself @MarianaBaabar @abbasnasir59
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) February 22, 2022
While replying to a comment of Michael Kugelman, Ayesha Siddiqa said, “I was just trying to get my head around very private meetings that senior most military command had & viewing its implications for the trip.”
A netizen namely Faiz Siddiqui made a correction, “It was not 1989 but 29 May 1988 Zia dismissed Junejo by using article 58-2(b) which doesnt exits anymore so you mean to say an extra constitutional step be taken to remove @ImranKhanPTI certainly no democratic person would ever support this move. I dont know why did u suggest”
It was not 1989 but 29 May 1988 Zia dismissed Junejo by using article 58-2(b) which doesnt exits anymore so you mean to say an extra constitutional step be taken to remove @ImranKhanPTI certainly no democratic person would ever support this move. I dont know why did u suggest
— Faiz Siddiqui (@faiz_siddiqui1) February 23, 2022
Samrina Hashmi censured her, saying, “Why are you promoting anti democratic authoritarian moves. Didn’t expect that from you Ayesha Siddiqa”
Why are you promoting anti democratic authoritarian moves.
Didn’t expect that from you Ayesha Siddiq @iamthedrifter— Samrina Hashmi (@samrinahashmi) February 23, 2022
Another user, Hamid Ali was of the view, “Won’t be that easy. Junejo got axed by 58-2(B) and GIK. Alvi could only become a Leghari if the clause was there. IK should thank 18th amendment for his de jure powers.”
Won’t be that easy. Junejo got axed by 58-2(B) and GIK. Alvi could only become a Leghari if the clause was there. IK should thank 18th amendment for his de jure powers.
— Hamid Ali (@perokhel) February 23, 2022
The book author replied, “Siddiqa: I was just curious what the big general will do as he is going around holding private meetings in foreign capitals so must be planning some internal rebellion in the PTI.”
Omar Bin Muaz questioned, “Whatever happened to Civil supremacy and Democratic values???”
Whatever happened to Civil supremacy and Democratic values??? 😄😂 Democracy jaye tail lainay, sahi ho gaya
— Omar Bin Muaz (@OmarBinMuaz1) February 23, 2022
A netizen said, “This is how Junejo was removed.. and this lady which calls herself champion of civilian rights, want removal of IK on same pattern…”
This is how Junejo was removed.. and this lady which calls herself champion of civilian rights, want removal of IK on same pattern…. pic.twitter.com/McVPqtAewP
— ##MZ (@MZubairX) February 23, 2022
Muhammad Hamza criticised, “This is one of the worst thing I heard after a long long time. You are proposing a military coup. Wow!”
This is one of the worst thing I heard after a long long time. You are proposing a military coup. Wow!
— Muhammad Hamza (@hamza0404) February 22, 2022
Ayesha Siddiqa replied to the user to clarify, “No. If a no confidence succeeds then it will be a goodbye to the prime minister. Not proposing martial law at all. Even an IK is better than martial law.”
No. If a no confidence succeeds then it will be a goodbye to the prime minister. Not proposing martial law at all. Even an IK is better than martial law
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) February 22, 2022
