Arif Nizami in his article “Of outmoded paradigms” has drawn attention of the government and the military to come out of slumber and do something about the deteriorating condition of the state. No doubt, the media are free and can say anything but at the same time, the media have to comprehend the complexity of the situation. Instead, they continue inviting different party personnel to sort out their personal scores on air.
Somehow or the other, after the introduction of glasnost by Gen Beg, the army came in to limelight and are now paying a heavy price for this. This openness has done more harm to the institution rather than doing any thing good.
It is simple logic: if you poke your nose in others’ affairs, then be ready for the answer. The present or previous governments have never been serious about commissions and enquiries. How Hamoodur Rahman commission was treated is a history in itself. Bringing the ISI under control of so and so shall not make any difference. It is the mindset that needs to be changed. Present democratic government can do a lot in making fundamental changes but it has not succeeded as yet. Rhetoric can never substitute practical measures.
Gen Kayani’s friendship with Mullen has nothing to do with the US national objectives; they are your friend as long as you take orders and if you don’t, you are the enemy. The US will continue levelling charges, one after the other, as is being done in the case of the destruction of IED dumps. Rumours about a coup are mainly to prep the ground for change of command or impending actions but not for military takeover. I fully agree with the writer that any such attempt will not only be a disaster but a step towards further dismemberment.
LT COL(Retd) MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT
Karachi
