“Causes of criticism”

Sarmad Bashir’s analysis of the current situation in his article does not match with the ground realities. While criticising the military, one has to draw lines where and when to stop. It is incorrect to suggest that it is the mindset that needs to be changed because mindset was changed before the 2008 elections when the army decided not to indulge in politics and implement the plan of Gen Musharraf staged for the come back of PML(Q).

Mian Nawaz Sharif is harping on old tunes. Army has its own in-built mechanism to punish all ranks and the punishments are quick and harsh. In fact no commission is needed on OBL; everything is crystal clear and the failure has been acknowledged by person not less than the head of ISI.

The media has done well to inform the people of Pakistan. Lapses do occur; that does not mean you condemn the entire institution. 9/11 is a classical example of US intelligence failure but the US armed forces were not criticised. Instead, they sat down and evolved a new security strategy for the US.

We should have done the same and taken the issues seriously instead of politicking over it. Mian Nawaz Sharif’s outbursts are understandable but he must bring an end to his anger and show some maturity.

Has he gained anything by adopting a negative attitude against army? In fact, he is losing support every day. Armed forces are fully aware about the rogue elements and steps are being taken to clean it.

Let us not get carried away while asking for too much accountability of the armed forces. It is always the individuals and not the institution as a whole to blame and this difference is not understood by many. The Pakistan army, good or bad, is our army and designated to safeguard our frontiers.

MUKHTAR AHMED

Karachi