Remembering Gen Pervez Musharraf
THE passing of Gen Pervez Musharraf is a moment of profound grief and sorrow for the nation, particularly, amongst the people in the armed forces. We lost in him one of our most dedicated and towering army commanders and country’s most dedicated leader. His personified devotion to duty and unwavering commitment to Pakistan was a living embodiment. He always believed in ‘Pakistan First’. General Musharraf was a thorough bred soldier and an exceptional leader who served the country through decades of tumult and turmoil. He was a rare and reassuring constant, who left behind an enormous gap, which remains unbridgeable.
It is unfortunate that while most of the patriotic Pakistanis believe in what he stood for and expressed their heartfelt condolences on his sad demise, yet there were few who either chose to remain silent or some even expressed feelings unbecoming of any mature person holding positions of responsibility, unfortunately. It is not very uncommon in a sham of democracy that works in our country under a complete elite capture, with no signs of any let off.
General Pervez Musharraf served Pakistan Army during 1965 and 1971 wars with India and was architect of Kargil operations which many, both at home and abroad, could not digest for years. He was known for his resolute and unshakable sense of duty. He was a unique elder and commanded exceptional respect through his wisdom, compassion, and impeccable example.
Besides, serving in some other elite SP (Self- Propelled) artillery regiments, he was a parental officer from 16 SP Regiment- The Dashing Sixteen. Later, he commanded the unit and also accepted to be the Colonel of the Regiment, while he was the President of the country. The unit was re-named as The Dashing Sixteen, President’s Own. For me personally, in him I lost my lifelong mentor and most trustable elder. I am deeply indebted to him for his personalised mentorship and guidance in all my professional pursuits. Being a thorough bred 16 SP officer myself, I, on behalf of my regiment and on behalf of my family, salute our former sovereign and offer our deepest condolences to his family on this irreparable loss.
I had known General Pervez Musharraf since 1971 when I joined 16 SP as 2/Lieutenant. Though he was on extra regimental duties and away from the unit at that time, yet everything taught and told to us about the unit, was with his reference. He was taken as a token of our regimental pride and honour. First time I met him face to face, was in 1984 when he was Lieutenant Colonel and commanding16 SP and had visited me at my residence in Islamabad, while I was serving in Inter-Services Intelligence. In an hour or so that he stayed at my house, it was nothing but a motivational talk to encourage me to carry on with my professional pursuits necessary for my progress in the army career. From there on, it was mostly his guidance and support that I could reach to positions enabling me to purposefully serve Pakistan Army for nearly four decades. Prolonged association with General Pervez Musharraf, gave me ample opportunities to know him very intimately, both as a commander as well as a trustworthy friend. Knowing him so closely while he served at higher positions, was a great learning and was always inspiring.
When a nation is challenged with dangers to its sovereignty, the character of its leader becomes vital to the decision-making process and the actions resulting from such decisions. At occasions, the zeal drives wise men to do acts that may look irrational acts to others who are mostly unaware of the ground realities. That has unfortunately, been the case during an era when General Musharraf was in the helms of affairs in the country.
Military leadership is best understood in context of its realities: danger, chance, exertion, uncertainty, apprehension, and frustration. General Musharraf possessed each one of these qualities, in abundance. He was always steadfast in his approach and physically energetic, bold, and firm, and had a steady character and calm mind unphased by circumstances of the moments. These qualities came handy to him in times of crisis while he oversaw the events with far-reaching fallouts.
As a military commander, character is the foundation on which the whole edifice of his leadership rests. Courage, loyalty, readiness to accept responsibility, willingness to accept mistakes and eagerness to sacrifice, were among the tributes that made General Musharraf an outstanding military commander, known for great valour and bravery. He was a kind of commander who was always at the best with his troops in the fiercest situations and toughest terrain. His positive attitude and ability to think in terms of possibilities and opportunities, despite the odds, gave him the latitude to go for the best. His trust in his subordinates and allowing them try new approaches, to learn, and even to fail, always resulted in their being more dependable, especially in combat.
His forcefulness and aggressiveness as a commander, along with physical visibility in the frontlines of the battle were always vital to morale of his subordinates and critical factor for the enemy to buckle down. Examples of his physical presence at the frontlines as Army Chief, that too, in enemy’s territory for days together in Kargil and frequent visits to the troops deployed at Siachen, were unique in army warfare. Decisiveness was another feather amongst his character traits that gave him a badge of command, signalling his control of the entire situation. Fear of failure is one battle most leaders and commanders lose under trying situations. Being a risk taker, gave General Musharraf the ability to influence fluid situations where life or death were the only two options, especially where the possibility of death was at a greater odd.
Army commanders have under their command soldiers whose families depend on their staying alive and these soldiers expect their officers to move with them and lead them from the front. As an army commander, General Pervez Musharraf was known for his incredible care and commitment to his under command and remained very popular amongst his troops till the end. All these traits and characteristics define the qualities of a good commander and successful leader and General Musharraf possessed each one, in abundance. After all said and done, General Pervez Musharraf deserves the most richest tributes and we pray for him the highest place in Jannat ul Firdous.
