Curbing army's role

Until and unless the army is made subservient to the civilian governments, the option for backdoor entries to power will remain.

It is unfortunate Musharaf wasn't tried for committing treason at least twice. There were a number of other charges he could have been tried on. For example, admitting to 'sell' Pakistani citizens to the USA or having them 'disappear' under the excuse of WoT.

Trying Musharaf was the proper thing to do and would have been popular.

Zardari's strategy to completely shut the Army out seems over ambitious and could prove fatal for him. Here's what it looks like:

1) Isolate the establishment and the Army by leaving them without any collaborators. Thus the logic behind making an alliance with the MQM, ANP, Q-League, and an uneasy one with N-League in Punjab.
2) Keep the Pakistan Army busy in the western border regions
3) Show the western powers, particularly the USA, that he is their most reliable ally
4) This isolates the Army both internally and internationally.
5) In this situation, sign a deal with India on Kashmir.

Once Kashmir no longer remains an issue, it'll destroy the basis for keeping a large Army. That will lead to justification in budget cuts for the armed forces.

Zardari has completed the first four steps. Let's see if he can complete the strategic plan.