Pakistan Today (30 June) has published a statement of the defence minister that is very alarming, especially at a time when Pakistan is facing a growing list of crises.
On the top of the list is the increasing trust deficit between the US and Pakistan. The minister broke the news that Pakistan has asked the US to vacate the Shamsi airbase as it is being used for drone attacks. This is certainly a new development and speaks for the shift in the policy by Pakistan towards the US.
But at the same time he mentioned that no one, including the COAS and DG ISI, are indispensable. Just a few months back, both were considered ‘indispensable’ due to the war on terror and, hence, were given extensions. Has their ‘indispensability’ suddenly evaporated?
This statement is aimed to give a message to the US that Pakistan is in no mood to do more or act strictly according to their wishes. It also seems to be a signal for a change of command most likely in the coming months. The COAS and DG ISI may decide to say good bye voluntarily. People come and go and no one is indispensable. It should be remembered that, in nature, there are neither rewards nor punishments, there are just consequences.
LT COL (Retd) MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT
Karachi