Institutions, not the personalities

The system must go on

Whenever the retirement of army chief inches closer in Pakistan, speculation of several types also emerges. It is discussed in the power corridors at length as to who would be appointed to the most coveted and influential post. The likelihood of extension also comes under discussion as it is a common practice in Pakistan that the COAS is often awarded an extension. The recent statement of incumbent COAS General Raheel Sharif, that he would not seek the extension of his tenure, is unprecedented as he took this decision 10 months before his retirement. The 43-word statement took centre stage as all the media channels spent several hours in discussing his decision. Editorials were written encompassing his performance as army chief and his decision was appreciated by all major leaders of political parties.

It is ironic that former President Asif Ali Zardari, who himself gave the extension to the predecessor of General Raheel, lauded the announcement of the military commander.

“The decision of General Raheel has increased his respect manifold and it would further strengthen the institution of army as well”, as quoted by chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan. Surprisingly, mum is the word from the government’s side as no official statement has been issued by the civil leadership so far.

General Raheel was not the senior-most general when he was picked up by Nawaz Sharif as Lt General Haroon was superseded at the time. The detractors of General Raheel said on his appointment that he lacked intelligence and operations background but he made his space on the national horizon due to his leadership abilities. He announced launching of Zarb-e-Azb in the tough terrain of North Waziristan just seven months after he took charge of the military. This decision to destroy the sanctuaries of militants was warmly welcomed as his predecessor was a little shy, to say the least, about launching this operation because of the fear of backlash.

The civil and military leadership were seen taking the matters of national importance jointly. One can see that in last two years the meetings of Nawaz Sharif and Raheel Sharif are unaccountable as both were also seen on international tours as well. Besides sharing their surnames, both the Sharifs share another commonality as both were the students at Government College Lahore. A public survey was conducted by this correspondent on the last independence day of Pakistan and the public sentiment was completely in favour of General Raheel as every second person was of the view that General Raheel is the true saviour of this country.

General Raheel masterfully played his cards during his stint in last two years. On the one hand, he earned an image of a democrat general and on the other hand he candidly controlled the national security paradigm of the country as the post of national security advisor is occupied by a former general who has served in the volatile city of Quetta.

“When a historian would write the history of the last two years, he would regard this phase in good words as both the players of extreme power jointly crafted the policies of national importance, which benefitted the country a lot”, said Imtiaz Gul, Executive Director of Centre for Research and Security Studies.

Talking to DNA, he said the army leverages the weaknesses of the civilian government as was apparent in the case of General Raheel, who is handling key affairs of national security. He was of the view that no army chief can take the space of civil government if the chief executive of the country is morally strong.

“The announcement made by army chief is courageous and bold as it would strengthen the institution of army significantly”, he added.

According to him, Gen Raheel’s decision will send a message that the army does have competent generals in its ranks that can fight the war against terrorism efficiently. He said it is wrong to perceive that a prime minister can take the sympathies of a general by picking him for the coveted post of army chief as a general belongs to his military institution throughout his career.

“The army chief is usually not replaced during the time of war and we have examples from the past as well but General Raheel’s decision to take retirement on time is morally a brilliant step”, said Sheikh Rohail Asghar, Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee of Defence. When asked why the government has not officially issued any statement over his decision, he replied it was too early to give statement as 10 months were left in his retirement.

He told DNA that General Raheel played a vital role in improving the reputation of the army as the institution was greatly tarnished under Pervez Musharraf. He further added that the decision of General Raheel shows that he has full confidence in the senior generals of his institution who can take the war against terror to its logical end.

Senator Shahi Sayed of Awami National Party (ANP) told DNA that it is just because of politicians’ mistakes that speculations were made over the extension of General Raheel Sharif. He was of the view that performance of institutions must not lie with individuals as institutions are more powerful than personalities. He said the Karachi operation and the war against terror must be continued even after the retirement of Gen Raheel. The system must go on, no matters who comes or retires, he concluded.

In last three years, a change of command was seen in all important institutions. The hyper active Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry paved the way for his successors. An elected government transferred its power to the other elected parliament. The elected president leaved the presidency after completing his tenure in the office. When all these dots are connected, it shows Pakistan is evolving as institutions are getting stronger; not personalities.