Pak Army must be onboard

The meeting of Nawaz Sharif with Zardari is just like a fresh puff of air in Pakistani politics. Despite the fact that apparently there is no break through but some segments of analysts think that it was a preparation for the visit of Henry Clinton. It seems that both these leaders are ready to welcome her. The absence of Shehbaz Sharif and Chowdry Nisar at this meeting – whatsoever they say – reveals that they paid the price for their get-together with the Chief of Army Staff General Kyani who is considered to be against the American Aid (with conditions).

      Anyway the visit of Mrs. Clinton must be seen in the context of some new events on the political horizon of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Iranian Foreign Minister has visited Pakistan to discuss the issue of Jundallah. Trilateral meeting of Foreign Ministers of China, India and Russia was held in Bangalore to discuss the issue of Talibanization in Afghanistan, their control of Nooristan Province and American attitude of boredom from the war of terror. Pakistan army has lunched an operation in Waziristan but American army has created a space for Taliban to enter Pakistan by evacuation of some check posts at Pak – Afghan border near South Waziristan. And Pakistan has protested against this issue through proper channel. Turkish Prime Minister has visited Pakistan before Turkish army takes command of ASEAN army in Afghanistan in November. And lastly Senator Kerri has visited Pakistan last week to satisfy Pakistani leadership regarding KLB.

      Now whatever Mrs. Clinton is going to discuss with Pakistani leadership but it must not divide our leadership. Ideally army must be confined to barracks. But we must not forget that reconciliation does not mean get together of politicians only. We must condemn extremism on all levels, even if it is in politics or religion. Politicians are still not strong enough to sideline army. The way Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto has dealt with the army is again needed to be followed.

      Though it is not democratic the way army brought the issue of Kerri _ Lugar bill to media but anyhow it compelled Americans to change their stance regarding civilian aid. Technically these conditions of KLB must be part of military aid so that military is bound not to interfere in politics. Conditions with civilian aid can be applied to different aspects of our society. For example educational aid must accompany by educational reforms in our educational system.

      Last day when Pakistani media hawks were hovering over Mrs. Clinton, they asked a question about Transfer of Drone technology to Pakistan. The answer was that military to military matters are discussed on military level. It means that military matters in America are totally out of control of civil rule. America must know this fact that the same is here in Pakistan. So if they want to keep military out of politics, their this wish will not come true in near future. But it can destabilize Pakistani system.

      Pakistani politicians should understand this fact that our army is safe, strong and organized because there is no civil interference in this institution. Why police force is weak? Because transfer and posting of loved ones by politicians is the main cause of their weakness. If the concerned minister of any ministry is asked to appear for the selection examination of that organization, it is must that he will fail. So first of all the ministry should be handed over to such a person who is expert in that field and can work for the uplift of that organization.

      The same is the case with army. For any international military agreement army is required to be involved. Army should not be punished for their misconduct regarding KLB. And army was also well aware of the conditionality of KLB in advance so it was their duty to express their concerns through proper channel before the bill was presented in American senate. Instead of creating obstacles for civil government army should convey their reservation to America through defense ministry and after permission from parliament they can discuss it in military to military contacts.

      Politicians are aware of the fact that now a days popularity graph of General Kyani is higher than Nawaz Sharif and Zardari. He has improved his image by non interference in elections of 2008, restoration of judges, Swat operation and now protests against KLB. Any adventurism from politicians can lead to dark ages of dictatorship. The COAS is accompanied by the same group of core commanders who once rectified the decisions of Musharaf. Pakistani people are not happy with politicians and they feel no difficulty to change their minds. They are in habit to welcome any new ruler with garlands of flowers and kick out the going one with garlands of shoes.