Who will be next ISI DG is the lead news in your esteemed paper (04 Mar). A website has given in depth analysis about the new DG ISI who is to replace Lt Gen Pasha on 18 Mar. In spite of detailed analysis it remains inconclusive in matter and substance. Gen Baig’s glasnost theory did more harm to army then doing any good and it is a result of this that we see talk shows, debates, speculations about the appointment of senior ranks in the army.
Take the case of India, the government on Saturday announced Lt Gen Bikram Singh as the new army chief to replace V P Singh who retires on 31 May. Under the rules the announcement is to be made 60 days in advance but it has been announced 90 days in advance due to his alleged fake encounter in Kashmir. We have unnecessarily attached too much importance to the appointments of senior ranks. These appointments are made through a system that also has snags. The senior promotions are not based entirely on professional competence, but liking and disliking, personal loyalties, political influences also play important role in the selection. No body is indispensable, as the new incumbent, whosoever he may be, takes very little time to adjust in the new environments.
Unfortunately, in Pakistan over the years we have made it a regular feature to analyse senior appointments in the army only to create sensation. Let this be known that media through debate or analysis cannot influence the decision. Extensions though bad but due to political considerations these can never be ruled out. The button is in the hands of President Asif Ali Zardari who will pick up the new DG ISI and has the authority to overrule the recommendations by army chief as happened in the case of Gen Kakar. Any serving corps commander can be picked up as DG ISI irrespective to which arms he belongs.
The government should not create any suspense and should clear the name of the new DG ISI to avoid any debates and discussions which is not in the interest of the country. Criticism will be there irrespective of who takes over or Lt Gen Pasha gets another extension. Why delay the matter?
LT COL (retd) MUKHTAR A BUTT
Karachi
