Who should come out clean?

Mr Arif Nizami, in his recent article, “The medium and the message” has touched the most sensitive issue confronting the nation’s sovereignty. It is good that he has thrown light on the main character of the memo Mansoor Ijaz who was not known earlier to most of the people. This will certainly provide lead to reach at some conclusion. Now one thing is very clear that the involvement of Hussain Haqqani cannot be overruled, and that the connection with the president is possible as no one can dare indulge in such an activity without a nod. Since Haqqani is close to the president and may be taking advantage of this relationship, he might have taken this initiative to gain more favours without realising its ramifications.
The writer is right when he says that Haqqani has never had good reputation with the army because of his conduct and behaviour and old perceptions. It is also a fact that since the day he was appointed an ambassador to the US, the US has been exerting more pressure on the army and ISI. The threats, covert and overt, to Pakistan army by various US generals from time to time are still fresh in our memories. The US does not require any memo to bring pressure on the army and ISI when they have hundred and one options available to them. President Zardari would be the last man to indulge in such a way when he could verbally communicate the same to any top US functionary.
Gen Kayani has extended full support to the civilian government and the government has excellent relationship with the army. It makes no sense at all to approach the US showing apprehensions that they fear coupe d’eta. Unfortunately, the civil leadership has disappointed the nation as they have failed to dispel the impression of having control over the army and continue to display fear of boots. Forgetting about the past practice, the ISI chief appeared before the joint parliament sitting and offered to resign.
There can be no disagreement with the writer’s opinion when he says that General Kayani is a firm believer of democracy and so is the case with the Supreme Court; both institutions want democracy to move forward. The recent address of Chief Justice at NDU makes clear that any unconstitutional step by army would attract provisions of treason. Unfortunately, civilian leadership still takes army as a Damocles’ sword, thus undermining their own institution. The president also gave an additional term to Gen Kayani at his post, proving the fears of army takeover unfounded.
The hostile elements are running malicious campaign to discredit and defame the security forces and are undermining the parliament. The aim is to communicate divisive messages to the general masses with a view to weakening people’s faith in professional capabilities and competence of security forces.
The president should also come out clean in the larger interest of the country and must take strict action against such conspirators and expose them before the nation to save the country from further chaos and confusion.

MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi