This is with reference to news item that appeared in your esteemed paper (22 Nov) regarding an attack on the FC personnel. What a tragedy for this nation! Our soldiers are dying every day while protecting vital installations and local population while our leadership is engaged in an unending personal feud. They all seem to be totally unconcerned and unmoved and take it as a routine matter. The latest attack on FC convoy in Balochistan killing 15 soldiers including a Major is a big setback and should be an eye-opener both for the army and the government. The responsibility of this attack has been claimed by BLA.
The time has come that Pakistani nation must get united and leave petty matters of conflict to ensure that Pakistan, especially the troubled provinces, not only reject foreign influence but also form part of Pakistani fold to put up a united and stronger defence. The promises made with the people of Balochistan must be honoured, mere rhetoric shall serve no purpose.
There is definite requirement of revising our SOP on the movement of soldiers from point A to B. As a precautionary measure, no move should take place during night and all moves should be undertaken during day under air cover because our forces are operating in a land where there enemy is every where.
Lastly, when a policeman dies he is adequately compensated and invariably the bereaved family is paid between Rs 2 to 5 million, but when a soldier dies, the compensation is minimal. The rule should apply mutatis mutandis.
LT COL (retd) MUKHTAR A BUTT
Karachi
