The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Monday expressed concern about the prevailing conditions in the country, which have diminished the confidence of the masses in the present government.
It said that due to the disturbed political situation, mismanagement and acute shortages of items needed in everyday life, people have lost faith in the present government.
This was observed in a meeting of the Executive Council of PESA with Senior Vice President, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim. Admiral Fasih Bokhari, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Brig Mian Mahmud, Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brig Simon Sharaf, Naik Muhammad Fazil and Brig Masud ul Hassan were also present on the occasion.
They said that the deteriorating standard of governance is reflected by the performance of various departments, and the government cannot take refuge by merely ‘taking notice’ and suspending some officials to absolve itself of all the responsibilities.
Conflicting statements from ministers and talk of conspiracy theories has given strength to allegations against the government, they added. The meeting expressed concern over strong allegations of conflict of interest made in the media about certain ministers. Serious note was also taken about the government’s inaction on the recommendations of the Judicial Commission Report about Model Town Lahore massacre.
The former military leaders said that a change has, therefore, become necessary to restore peoples’ hopes and confidence for a better future. Local bodies are the fundamental basis of any democratic system, which calls for local bodies’ elections without further delay. Development funds, presently allocated to MNAs and MPAs should, thereafter, be allocated to local bodies.
Great satisfaction was expressed over the progress of the ongoing operation in North Waziristan and glowing tributes were paid to the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives for defence of the country. They were, however, of the opinion that civil intelligence agencies have to do a lot of work to do to break the terrorists’ networks in urban areas.
PESA members stressed upon the government to remove unauthorized camping and settlements of Afghan refugees and confine them to the authorized camps. Movement in and out of the camps should also be screened and recorded. At the same time, efforts must be made for their repatriation at the earliest. It was also decided to finalize arrangements of PESA’s support in resettlement of IDPs when they return to their homes.
Members were of the view that a mere change of Chief Election Commissioner was not enough. Complete overhaul of the Election Commission was required.
The appointment of a Judicial Commission to carry out a thorough investigation of the alleged irregularities of the last elections should not be delayed any further. Electoral reforms must also be completed at the earliest. A Chapter of PESA has been opened in Gilgit-Baltistan and Major Zafar Jang (r) has been appointed as organiser.