This is with reference to Farhat Iqbal’s letter “It’s Pakistan’s war” (29 Aug) defending Gen Kayani’s speech of 14 Aug delivered at PMA Kakul, while criticizing the writer Khalid Ahmed on his recent article Gen Kayani’s war (26 Aug) published in some papers speaks volume of writer’s bias against the army. Since serving officers cannot approach media, hence a big disadvantage to serving officers who remain restrained to reply.
Gen Kayani’s speech has mostly been welcomed by majority of the media personnel and received positive response. It is true that when Gen Kayani said that the war against terrorism was Pakistan’s war, he meant that the extremist outfits have penetrated deep inside the nation’s heartland and that needs to be flushed out.
Unfortunately, the problem with civilian governments has been to use crutches of the army due to bad governance and massive corruption the world has ever witnessed. It is incorrect to suggest that army still enjoys the status of power brokers. It is tantamount to undermining the authority of the civil government. Sacking of secretary defense by prime minister is one of the examples that should dispel the impression army still calling shots. Our problem is if anything goes wrong is put in the army’s basket. It is very strange that popular decisions taken by the government have been attributed to Gen Kayani.
After Salala incident closure of NATO supply route was the decision of the government duly supported by the army. Memo gate was a reality otherwise Mr Haqqani should have not fled the country. He took initiative to please the president but it unfortunately went against him and it was wrong time to take such stupid initiatives. Once again, it was Gen Kayani who reconciled on the issue in the larger interest of the state. Let it be categorically stated that it is our war and is no more US war. Enemy is all out to destroy us, let us seek help of world community to help us in this grave hour as existence of our country is at stake. Pakistan army is here to stay and despite the mistakes it commits it remains an important institution that demands respect and not criticism.
MUKHTAR AHMED
Karachi
