It is not the memo but what it aims at is disturbing. It is not who has written it but why it is written that is important. The real factor that stands tall is that despite the given opportunities the civilian leadership has failed to subordinate army as an instrument of policy and continues to remain scared of the power it holds. Utilising that power to its own good and not undermining it is what the civil leadership needs to do.
The memo is a continuation of US pressure tactics to mould Pakistan to take their dictates. This has provided an opportunity to US to target Pakistan army and ISI based on the theme that President Zardari is not the man in the seat, it is army and ISI which is calling the shots. This propaganda is primarily against President Zardari who made accurate assertions when he said that US officials must avoid giving anti-Pakistan statements.
Similarly, any statement against Pakistan army and ISI is not received well as it goes against the nation at a time when Pakistan is engaged in bloody operations against Taliban. Cooperation and respect comes through winning hearts and soul and not by pressure and drone attacks. Doubting President Zardari’s intentions to eradicate the militants under the influence of military is not correct.
As the manifestation of endgame in Afghanistan is approaching fast, the US pressure and demands on Pakistan and propaganda against ISI using western media is on the increase. The aim is to force Pakistan to bow before US agenda and change direction ignoring Pakistan’s national interest and strategic goals. This memo is a crude attempt to create doubts about the assertiveness of political leadership and their ability to influence military leadership.
We must not compromise our national security. Since government has denied having sent this memo, it is all the more reason that responsible persons involved in this game must be brought to book as early as possible. This is a delicate issue of national importance involving security of Pakistan, therefore, must be given highest priority and actors involved must be exposed to the nation.
LT COL (re td) MUKHTAR A BUTT
Karachi
If the US is targetting the Pak Army or the ISI, the fault lies with those at the helm of both institutions for involving them in activities that have never been in the national interest, but may have suited the financial interests of the generals or their political allies. Musharraf, Zia and Ayub Khan are responsible for the indiscipline that prevails within these vital institutions and their involvement in activities that they should never have been involved in. The Memo talks about the vital security assets of Pakistan, which is unacceptable. This is what happens when controversial men are appointed as ambassadors by a political government or military junta as has often been done in the past. Institutions disintegrate when they fail to enforce rules and discipline within their ranks and file.
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