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Options for Pak Army in future
role
Shahid Hussain
So much has been written about present and future role of Pakistan Army
in governing and serving Pakistan, particularly after the appointment of
new Army Chief. Glaring change of past and present role is very much
visible, mentioning not may not be able to do justice with writings.
Since he took over the charge of Pakistan Army, his each and every
moment is being scrutinized and commenting upon by the politicians,
media and masses of Pakistan. One must acknowledge the few immediate
steps taken by him, like reversion of serving officers back to Army who
were posted to various civil departments, secondly clear-cut
disengagement of Army and its intelligence agencies in recently held
elections and helped civil administration only in smooth and fair
conduct of elections, thirdly asked Army personnel to refrain from
meeting politicians and any participation in political activities which
can bring bad name to the institution.
According to reliable sources there have been other revolutionary and
praiseworthy steps taken by the General, to elevate the life of soldiers
through improvement of administration, introducing number of welfare
measures to raise their morale and declaring years 2008 as a soldier
year. The steps taken were highly appreciated and well received in
serving and retired army lot as well.
Helping in conduct of fair and free elections in volatile situation,
restricting in its own parameters is an underlined message to the
politician, bureaucracy and civil administration that every own should
do their own job and Army in any case is not going to interfere in
future. The worst scenario which was resulted in bringing much ill
repute to Army, was due to the negative and weak role displayed by some
of senior bureaucrats and politicians who took the forces for granted
that, calling Army especially in worst political situation is an easy
solution of the answer. Moreover Ex Chief General Pervez Musharaff
remained really very enthusiastic in employing Army everywhere in the
country, whether it was earthquake or war on terrorism. At the same time
it may not be considered that forces would not be called in aid to civil
power but the way of employment in future might be different from the
past.
In just three years, Army has carried out certain visible development
works in the tribal belt which were never taken in last 50 years since
1947. Let’s only take the example of war on terrorism where reportedly
more than 3000 innocent officers and men have lost their precious lives,
but instead media and masses have remained critical to the role of armed
forces in eliminating militancy and extremism from the tribal areas. Our
valiant Army became the victim of an international conspiracy. Rift and
gulf between forces, masses and Ex Chief has been listening and dancing
on the tunes due to the involvement of unknown masters. Masses are very
wise to understand that Army works under a system of do or die, obey
orders. But unfortunately few illiterate religious extremists were
poisoned by anti state elements supported by foreign intelligence
agencies that every soldier of security agency is a part of conspiracy
theory and busy in their elimination . The new chief has a daunting task
to repair the damage caused to this brave Army man and is taking
immediate measures to restore the lost pride. Top brass of Army too
smelt the involvement of some of secret hands against Pakistan in war on
terrorism.
They felt that prevailing policy do require some change in so-called war
on terrorism and also rightly realized the forthcoming challenges to be
faced by the country .General has achieved the confidence of his troops
, reflected his commitment of no further involvement in political
affairs, spelled out priorities of professional Army , assured its full
support to the newly elected political hierarchy and thus gave a message
to them to take charge of this country. One should always remember that
true political force of any country do require the support of masses,
media, courts, and well trained Army to implement its policies and
defend the exterior boundaries . This is the time now for newly elected
Government to make some policies and arrangements in improving the
socio-economic condition of general public and redefine national foreign
policy keeping in view the prevailing security environment. Pakistan
army has been dragged into a conflict which was against the will of own
people. Strong resentment against the existing policies has been
displayed in the last elections by the nation too.
According to a report strong drift in policy has been seen in the top
Army brass just after the missile attacks in tribal areas by NATO
forces. It has been reported that officer of defence representative of
NATO forces commonly known as ODRP tried their level best to meet
military officers in military operation branch at GHQ but any such
request was denied. It is a positive sign and now options are open to
Army to redesign and suggest USA and NATO forces about their priorities
that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. It is expected that General Kayani will be well
aware of all ground realities and will take immediate measures to boost
the morale of Pak Army who has done marvels while serving their mother
land , whether saving WAPDA, railway, earthquake, flood and last but not
least protecting the frontiers by sacrificing their lives.
It is never too late, let’s hope that Pakistan Army in future adopts the
course in meeting its professional obligations, i.e. serving the country
through protecting exterior boundaries of our motherland. At the same
time people and media should understand follies of one single individual
can’t be attributable to the entire institution.
