And all serious in nature
The foremost challenge Gen Raheel Sharif faces is how to change the outmoded perceptions about democracy in the armed forces. After an orderly transition of power from the PPP administration, the PML-N government has been in place for the last six months. The outgoing COAS had supported democracy and ordered shutting down of the ISI’s political wing. One expects similar wholehearted support for the system from Gen Sharif as well. It has to be realized that vital decisions regarding national security and foreign relations are the domain of people’s elected representatives, with the army only to follow orders from the civilian government.
Gen Kayani had acknowledged that extremism and militancy pose existential threat to the country, and that it was fighting Pakistan’s war. While expressing the desire that militants return to peaceful life, he was clear, first they had to “unconditionally submit to the state, its constitution and the rule of law”, and, there was “no room for doubts” when it came to “dealing with rebellion against the state.” Many in Pakistan expect Gen Sharif not only to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor but also avoid cherry-picking among the militant networks that has gone on in the past. Gen Sharif has to realise that Pakistan cannot afford to fight on two fronts simultaneously, as it is tantamount to putting one’s head in a nutcracker. The army leadership needs therefore to review its India-centric policy. The crucial issue of maintaining a balance between social development and defence was raised by Gen Kayani also, who argued that national security depended on development as much as on protecting borders. For this, peaceful coexistence is a must between India and Pakistan, shunning the horrendously expensive arms race. One expects that Gen Sharif will fully support the government’s efforts in bringing the neighbours together.
The change in command has taken place when the bulk of the US troops are about to leave Afghanistan. The army and the government have to be on the same page regarding Afghanistan. Any perception of the army conducting a policy different from that of the government would be harmful. The human rights issue has assumed crucial importance in today’s world. The acrimonious debate at the recent Commonwealth summit should be instructive. The question of missing persons and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan has been taken up by the Supreme Court also. The change of command provides an opportunity to the army to stop the inhuman practice.