PROMPT and result-oriented notice taken by Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa of the much-talked-about ‘Karachi incident’ is widely appreciated by different segments of the society, citing it as a glorious example of internal accountability mechanism in place in the defence forces, which is reassuring for the people as it conveys a message that there is no escape from accountability by any wrong-doer. According to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), officials of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Pakistan Rangers, Sindh, involved in the incident have been removed pending further departmental proceedings for acting “overzealously”.
It is also clear from the wording of the statement that removal from existing posts was not the ultimate punishment as those involved would face departmental inquiry by the GHQ. The action taken by the COAS is also a message for all to conduct themselves strictly in accordance with the law and jurisdictional responsibility and this augurs well for rule of law and non-interference in matters that fall within the purview of others. The Karachi issue was quite serious with implications for the entire system as it shook the very foundations on which stands the edifice of the harmonious relationship between state institutions. The impression that the chief of the provincial police was virtually abducted and forced to issue orders for arrest of retired Capt. Muhammad Safdar on allegations of desecration of the mausoleum of the Quaid not only had the potential to create misunderstanding between the two important institutions of the country but also triggered issues relating to interference in pure internal affairs of a province. It was in this context that COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa talked to PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the phone. During their discussion, Bilawal Bhutto expressed his concern over the development and sought Army Chief’s intervention in the matter. The Army Chief ordered an inquiry and the result is before us – Bilawal and many other leaders have welcomed the outcome describing it as success of the democratic forces. It would also have been in the fitness of things if the court of inquiry had touched the issue of ‘violation of privacy of a couple’, which is also being agitated by the opposition. Anyhow, now that an inquiry has been carried out, the issue should not be agitated further but there should be firm directions to all to act as per law and in the area of responsibility/jurisdiction. There is also no logic in calls by some circles that action should be taken against what they call ‘mutiny’ of the police force. The force was apparently demoralized and resorted to ‘soft’ protest in the form of en-bloc leave applications but continued discharging professional responsibilities when due notice was taken by the Army Chief.
