The Establishment: A Subordinate Force, Not a Supreme One — A Reflection on Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Statement

Pakistan's political discourse took a bold turn when Maulana Fazlur Rehman, head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F), made a powerful statement regarding the role of the establishment in national affairs:
> "The establishment is indeed a force, but not a supreme one—it is a subordinate force. Show your excellence in defense, not in politics!"
This statement not only challenges the conventional perception of the establishment's authority in Pakistan but also revives a critical constitutional and democratic debate: What is the rightful domain of the armed forces and other state institutions in a democratic setup?
The Meaning Behind the Words
Maulana Fazl's remark directly confronts the narrative that the military establishment holds unchecked power in Pakistan. By