Articles of the year 2015
Published on February 26th 2015
The last two months have seen the Army taking over most of the important functions of the State. The Foreign office, all policy matters are now cleared by GHQ.The top four countries namely, Afghanistan, UK, USA , Saudi Arabia, welcomed Gen Raheel, and he was accorded a head of Government status in the UK as evidenced by his meeting the British Prime Minister at 10 Downing St, in full uniform (a first for a Pakistani COAS) which underlines the importance the British Government is giving to Gen.Raheel as de facto head of the Pakistani Government. On his trip to the U.S. he was treated in a similar manner. His allowing the Prime Minister to address the Sind administration, in which Zardari was not allowed to speak.
When Zardari routed a question concerning the purchase of the APCs through a Sindhi Minister, he was rudely told they would be done in the proper procedure, implying that the proper procedure had not been followed. Further putting the Zardari coterie on notice that he would not get away with his loot and plunder as in the recent past. The manner, almost supine,in which the Nawaz government has allowed the soft coup to establish its writ also indicates that the PMLN government is well aware of its inherent moral weakness, that could easily translate into a political rout, via recounting of votes in key areas. The PMLN government knows only too well how numbers are manipulated. There are many in the Assemblies who know where the bodies are buried! This also signalled the other would-be deal makers that the Army was watching carefully all their moves. This has already had a salutary effect, and the market rumours are, that the old deals are also in doubt. Many whistle blowers are also jostling to be heard. This also brings to question the ongoing slow pace of the investigations,for the public at large is convinced that a ‘deal’ is being negotiated by Zardari,Nawaz and the army. Somewhat like an NRO, which would allow them to walk free with a slap on the wrist.
General Raheel must be aware that he is trusted by the people to ensure better governance, and not allow them an easy way out, as manipulated by his predecessor. In fact, the people of Pakistan would like to see the Army oversee an accountability. A real accountability. There are many persons who already have the details of the scams that have cost our country dearly. Now is the time for the perpetrators to be brought to book. Importantly, General Raheel must bring about the accountability, as for now he is the only person that the Pakistanis trust and respect. The General must also realize,that corruption and governance are very much part of the problems facing Pakistan. We will never have governance, if the corruption is as endemic, as now. Also the politicians are determined to sabotage the writ of General Raheel, and are committed to sabotage his efforts, which may also effect the Zarb Azb project. The politicians are worried that if Gen Raheel succeeds in removing the Taliban presence then his attention will turn to the political morass, which is damaging Pakistan, by blocking improvement of governance. Without proper governance, Pakistan will continue its corrupt ways, and sink deeper into a collapsing state. The public perception of a ‘deal’ is worrying, and the latest newspaper reports are that the Cotecna and SGS cases against Zardari and his late wife are being dropped ‘for lack of evidence’.
It is no wonder that the public is suspicious of the deal being done. This was already spelt out in the last Nawaz/Zardari joint statement of not creating trouble for the next five years, after their five years of uninterrupted plain sailing! The most important aspect is the credibility of the Army itself. The PMLN is able to field objections through one of its many coalition partners. Whilst the Army would have to respond directly, without any subterfuge. Thus the political parties would have multiple choices, and the ability to have a multi pronged approach to sabotaging the Military Courts or the operation of the Apex Comittees. The success or failure will determine the future of the Nation. Whilst Gen Raheel is a highly competent and brave officer we must not forget that the opponents, the Taliban, and corrupt politicians are a formidable force, highly organised, and ruthless, not to forget the many foreign elements that would like to see Pakistan fail.
Gen Raheel is representing the Nation of Pakistan, whose citizens are being killed, and the existence of the very state itself is at stake. The battle is on for the soul of Pakistan.Gen Raheel has the backing of the people of Pakistan,barring the corrupt Politicians, and has been supported by the major foreign powers, the Briitish, Americans, Chinese, and the Arab States, even Afghanistan! It is time to close the net on the enemies of Pakistan, and root out them out, whatever disguise they may be wearing. It is time the whole nation unites, and stands behind Pakistan, and Gen Raheel, to defend Pakistan. Imran Khan should concentrate his efforts in a war against corruption, for this is the primary evil that has engulfed this country. It is the camel in the tent, the one that is pushing everyone out.There can be no progress, no education, no power, no jobs unless corruption is not rooted out first.