Much of what goes on in the war on terror starting right from policies, strategies up to the on ground tactics have not been delineated and spelled in a concrete manner that may lend coherence to the stance adopted by the Pakistanis on this most crucial issue.
This love for a non-tactile approach may lend flexibility, but it has proved to be extremely disadvantageous in the long run as the efficacy of the military endeavours undertaken by our security forces have been rendered-not-very-successful by the world community since they cannot be measured.
Pakistan, once again, stands at a cross-road where it is unable to defend its own position. To build a strong case for itself by providing a plausible and rational argument that may be accepted by the world community is what is required at this particular juncture. It is time that we appropriate our attitude to align it with the world or else keep on facing the painful music forever more.
For this, both the government and military ought to work as a unified force. The statement issued by general retired Jehangir Karamat in which he claims that the army has accepted the supremacy of the civilian authority is certainly a new bend that we can observe in our history. Taking this as a breath of fresh air, it is hoped that things are moving towards a change that we have been looking forward to since eternity.
DR SAFA RAHMAN
Islamabad
