Email
Print
The writer is a former editor of Dawn.
There can be little doubt Gen Raheel Sharif hasn’t put a foot wrong in the popular perception since being elevated to the position of the chief of army staff and continues to accelerate ahead in approval ratings. What could derail him?
Rather than belonging to the camp of so-called thinking generals who came to represent inertia or ‘paralysis by analysis’ (a term I heard from within the army itself), the general is seen as a ‘doer’ and thus brought welcome relief when brakes were applied to the seemingly unending slide towards anarchy, fanatical, mass-murdering religious extremism and urban terrorism/lawlessness.
Nobody expected the fight to be easy or quickly finished. Neither did one want a tragedy such as the Army Public School, Peshawar massacre to be the spur the authorities needed to finally launch a concerted campaign to counter and subdue a monster that had been left alone for far too long to grow and consolidate.
History is replete with instances where sycophants can do the sort of debilitating damage to a leader that his or her worst enemy can’t.
Although the military’s impressive PR machine headed by the proactive Maj-Gen Asim Bajwa did not publicise it, I am told by reliable sources that those found responsible for the failure to protect our young APS students were punished, and the court-martialled included a brigadier.
This is impressive for an institution which has had held all kinds of civilians including political leaders liable to accountability, but isn’t known to assign official opprobrium for its own shortcomings, even catastrophic disasters. One could mention a long list.
But the current COAS seems to be changing all that. What he is attempting may be tantamount to trying to turn around one of the supertankers at sea where from the time you turn the wheel to when the very large crude carrier (VLCC) actually starts to change direction seems like a lifetime.
It is, therefore, incumbent on each element of the state to strengthen his hands, wish him well and hope and pray his institution’s professionals ensure ironclad protection for their leader as he is in the middle of directing a war for the country which is existential in nature.
History is replete with instances where sycophants can do the sort of debilitating damage to a leader that his or her worst enemy can’t. The well-trained and reputedly professional close protection team of the army chief will no doubt find itself at a loss to protect him from the insidious and well-calibrated campaign that’s been initiated by some ‘fans’.
The COAS is halfway into his three-year tenure and self-serving quarters are already starting to raise issues that should shift his focus from the national interest to the personal one albeit the sycophants are cleverly rolling these two into one.
The challenges remain. One instance was the arrest in Karachi towards the end of this week of a former PAF official who was said to have been the financier and motivator of the Safoora Goth Ismailis’ mass murderers that included university graduates. He was said to have given dars at a DHA mosque and was a successful businessman.
Around the last federal apex committee meeting, at a session where some members of the clergy were also present, the COAS reportedly asked some sharp questions about the funding of seminaries. This later prompted a senior Deobandi figure Mufti Naeem to lash out at the ‘state’ for putting guns in ‘our’ hands.
The state may have put the guns in many non-state actors’ hands but now, it appears, when it wants at least some of them to hand them back there is resistance. This is troublesome when some of tougher varieties of these non-state actors have not even been asked yet. Who knows how organisations such as Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba will react if such a move was ever extended to them?
Then of course there is a daily trickle of news from the Fata region of ambushes on military check posts, vehicles. Our soldiers on this battlefront write a daily chapter of valour and sacrifice with their blood. The capacity of terrorists to operate freely in their former bastion may have been severely degraded but they retain some capability.
Friday morning’s attack on a Pakistan Air Force camp in Peshawar’s Badaber suburb and the resultant death toll indicated how the country cannot afford a moment’s let-up in the fight against brainwashed zealots who have been lured into this madness by titillating talk/imagery of virgins in heaven.
This is but a sketchy backdrop and not a complete picture. Even against this, anything that distracts the army chief or his key commanders is nothing less than criminal. Some in the media started this talk of the army chief deserving an extension. Now a former army chief has joined in the chorus.
Gen Musharraf, who gave himself not one three-year extension but nearly double that in duration has now called for a decision for the incumbent chief and painted a dire scenario if that did not happen. How the slide into anarchy continued at his ‘extended’ watch is now well recorded.
It isn’t a secret how unhappy Musharraf was with Gen Kayani because, in his view, the latter didn’t help him on his return from exile and when the treason case was initiated against him. It was only when the incumbent came to office that the former military ruler got respite. So, one can’t be sure if he is suggesting what he is as he could also be equating his own interest with the national interest.
For the first time, even if critics such as I still find it selective and not across the board as we’d like, some attempt is being made to corral runaway extremism. Suggestions such as the ones being made now, a full 18 months before COAS is scheduled to retire, can only undermine morale in the senior ranks and could also be a distraction for him.
What then is the purpose of those who are pushing this agenda?
The writer is a former editor of Dawn.
Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2015
On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play
Comments (97) Closed
I wish more columnists and writers should take the same or similar position on this matter so that a commander can stay focused on his mission at this very critical period of putting country back on track after 40 years of misadventure.
No need for extension to the Army Chief beyond his tenor of 3 years no matter how honestly and bravely he confront the extremest, terrorist,corruption,extortion and mafias, he should be given a befitting farewell so that the coming Chief may perform better than him or at least follow his foot steps. The process of giving extension should stopped.
Pakistanis have a strange infatuation with army and its chief. the moment you worship an institution and man like divinity, it gets the license and audacity to persecute.
Certainly it applies to all institutions. Why policing gone corrupt since it was protected for cadre moral and safeguarding the interests of corrupts. Everyone knows that police make money but systematic bribe is paid to every one and this applies to all governing institutions. This is not Pakistan but largely all Asian countries particularly India, Bangladesh and others. People are inhumanly treated and institutions punish the whistle blowers. An IPS officer of Gujrat has been punished for his truthness and standing firm on right course.
I agree with most you have said but I highly doubt Jaishe Mohammad is currently active. I do support Gen. Raheel Sharif and pray for his longevity.
Great piece by one of our best. Will his wisdom be heeded.
please extend his tenure, i wish he was general instead of musharraf
The general should avoid such calamities. He should prepare his team to continue the operations as they are today and should not repeat the mistakes of past generals who started worrying about their tenure.
General Raheel Sharif seems genuinely committed to righting the wrongs of his institution and the nation's security, but his attitude should not be personified as a person but as an institution (the armed forces) or a national narrative (NAP is a step towards it, but civilian ownership of it is still mediocre).
As a nation we look up to individuals not ideas or institutions for getting things done, and that's a harmful attitude - the individuals may come and go, but it's the ideas and institutions that ensure lasting, sustained action.
what's wrong in talking about a concern every Pakistani has. What will happen to Pakistan when Gen. Raheel Sharif is retired. Will the next Army chief be as active as he is? These are legitimate concerns. You can't stop these discussions.
Dear Mr. Abbas Nisar, thanks for a very well informative and thought provoking article and that too at the right time. I think those proposing possible extension for the Army Chief are are themselves devoid of the leadership qualities. They believe in individuals rather than the strength of the institutions itself. We wish Gen. Raheel success in his mission.
Thank you so much Nasir. He someone understands your line. Raheel Sharif is a soldier and a true Pakistani. I am sure he won't opt for extension and avoid riding the tiger. The only problem which we don't realize is that our politicians are totally inept and they themselves created the space for army chief to get in.
It is not only the writer but readers of the article in the Dawn should also express their support for general Sharif. He should continue as COAS until all the terrorists are eliminated, borders are secure and people can move with safety and security in the country. I hope the prime minister Sharif reads Dawn articles and comments.
Well said
A fair and balanced analysis of the imp issue. We should not combine personal matters or benefits to govt servants. Nobody is perfect and we have heard all this before whenever there was an army general as if sky would fall after him. Nobody is holding the sky in its place and there are more generals and soldiers to do the job. Best of luck for retiring generals.
Although the operation in Karachi looks to be one sided, We still need continuity at this stage. This is why we need General Raheel Shareef for another 3 years.
General Raheel is undoubtedly the best Soldier in Pak History. He has the courage and will to stand against the evil. May God bless him with success. The nation is proud of him.
Talking about the extension of present COAS may create a bad taste in line of all the capable generals who are due for promotion.It may also create a rivalry amongsth them.By proposing for the extension to General Sharif,that is so early,by General musharaf it is evident that he wants to show his gratitude to him for his favours and he also expects continuance of the same.
Indispensable is none - it is said but what we can see and feel, what the CAOS has done or doing is not for making his bank-balances abroad or even at home like AAZ who threatened him that he is there for three years but we are always here. A mistake he realized which made him flee the country and now praising the Army. Gen Musharraf is supporting him - who else can be more knowledgeable than him ( mix of Army/civil experience). Wish the CAOS all the best.
I dare army or intelligence agencies of pakistan to take action against lashkar tayyaba or hakkani group. Unfortunately, both our political and defense leaderships have this mentality of good versus bad terrorists just like good Taliban and bad Taliban. This is for corroding the fabric of our society and we pakistanis are dangerously divided between conservatives and liberals, both at each other's throats. On top of that, corruption is eating our society away like mites. Nobody is innocent from corruption, neither the political nor the military elites. Unfortunately we are too divided, most of us are confused and deeply frustrated and feel helpless and hopeless because we have corrupt and dishonest leaders who are responsible for this great mess we are in
well said.
The analysis lacks insight...!!
Well written Abbas ! I personally feel , from what we have seen, General Raheel will not accept even a day's extension in his tenure as Army chief. Can't we all see he seems to be in a hurry to fix thing. His Patriotism, Energy, Intent , and unbiased approach to issue's of national interest are unquestionable. As the writer says, he is a "doer", not someone who makes promises and in wake of "political expediencies" , makes compromises. He is strengthening his own Institution by holding some generals accountable for their past deeds. Ideally he should already have his sights on the General who will probably take his place and take him under his wings. His leadership , vision and actions have given hope to the country. What we should not do is to make him into a God. People of Pakistan ever want to thank him.we should let go of him when the time comes with respect and dignity that he so valiantly brought back to our Country and its People !!
We love our Gen Raheel!
good article, also some media anchors wants to create confusion between Army and Civilian govt , they may be stopped to air such programmes instead they should try to boost the morale of military and govt.
I wish Gen.Raheel be able to finish the different mafias in 18 months time.
COAS has all nation behind him. He will not be allowed to retire no matter what. The whole mess created by his predecessors need a century to clean it up. Gen Sharif for life COAS and next PM
Let the General, however capable he is, work under the command of a civilian and political leadership.
Pakistan should not be allowed once again to slip into the dark days of dictators of "FM" Ayub Khan. Gen. Zia-ul-Haque and Gen. Pervez Musharraf kinds!.
More than a year should be enough for Gen. Sharif to get rid of the terrorists. In the meanwhile political leaders should work hard to bring Pakistan's ship in calmer and clearer economic and political waters. Enough is enough!
(This is a humble, but patriotic voice, from a Pakistani-Canadian who wishes Pakistan and its people well.)
The family that Gen. Raheel comes from, the revered image of his elder brother and the character he has demonstrated , I am confident that he will not seek nor accept an extension. He can, if the nation wants it and the situation demands that he serve in some alternate capacity to support the efforts to combat militancy and corruption.
A very good analysis, however it is difficult to keep sycophants away for a long time.
Well written. So self styled analysts and anchors .please let army remain focussed and do not distract by such premature demands .the same very anchors were criticizing Decision of PM ,when he selected army chief ignoring two senior Generals.So all those sitting on national media from 8 to 9 and 10 to 11 pm are creating panic,promoting hate against political system and analysis is of very poor standard ,low IQ withe exception of Few.
Being the founder of the change is alife time achievement.This is enough for one to keep his head high. Armed Forces are the Pakistans apex institutes that are well known for decipline,diligence, valour and commitment.
I have no doubt that the tone set by their leader is a great motivator to keep every thing on course.
It is not finished yet and all of us must not loose focus and resolve.And the best will always follow.
After all .... there were always inzimams, YOUNIS AND YOUSUF THAT STOOD GROUND AFTER JAVED MIANDAD.
MY VERY BEST FOR COAS AND THE ARMED FORCES.
Am positive if Gen Raheel either has another Extension or becomes Next P.M the country will Rapidly move Forward
A very well written and timely article...may God protect Gen. Raheel Sharif from the scared self focused internal and external enemies of Pakistan...Long live Gen.Raheel Sharif and Long live Pakistan Inshahallah.
A real wisdom and true patriotism speak out through this article! Thank you for enriching our minds through dawn indeed after a long time!
Changing horses midstream would not be advisable.
no extension at any cost
All sounds very well in this article but why any one does not question a few basic questions like 1. Is the General ready to change the belief that there are good terrorists also who need protection by the state of Pakistan? 2. Is it right to treat Afghanistan as the backyard to be used as strategic depth? 3. Lastly is the theory that India is an existential threat to Pakistan is right?
Without boldly facing these questions and sincerely answering these questions no good will come to Pakistan because the world believes that Pakistan needs serious course correction to be a part of world community.
@Abbas Nasir: You are a great analyzer. Hats off.
Well written piece. Pakistan needs a doer like Gen. Raheel Sharif. The state and the people must ensure he is given full support to complete the job he has started.
Leaders matter a lot in the situation we are in, yet we should try to build institutions and systems to take the Nation to right course, against all odds in varying environment. The menace of terrorism and extremism is not going to end soon. A wholesome strategy to include addressing the root cause is must. The Issue must be debated at length from all angles and a national approach covering socio economic and religious aspects be adopted. Fighting a war is one of the major actions against this menace. All organs of the government and civil society have to play their roles, and present a united front to deal with it. Armed forces are doing their best, the enemies are many
General Raheel Sharif, his team, and the state “agencies” are moving intelligently against terrorism in all its shades as well as against the individuals who have harmed Pakistan on the strategic matters. From Karachi and Sind to now Punjab, they have remained within the realm of the Constitution. Sycophants are trying, efforts are underway for NRO-II, and criticism is made for the speed. Soon we may even hear fatwas. Thanks God, this time the saviors know what needs to be done and how. For now, we can see the results, people are happy and confident, and Raheel Sharif and his team is committed. May God help them and Pakistan.
Gen raheel is in action not as private citizen but as head of a institute. The results of his efforts are open book. No two openios, unanimus voice gen raheel must continue untiill life returns to normal in all fields in pakistan. This would be gen's and army's success.
We do salute and appreciate the efforts of Army chief against terrorism with very encouraging result but at the same time it is our strong belief that every general of PAK army is capable to lead the Army to defend the motherland. Hence justice demand fair chance of elevation to everyone so that their moral always remain boosted.
A good storey based on "hearing".
Knowing the general, I can say with much confidence that how badly the general must be hurt by this nonsense idea of his extension. Army has in place the best of succession planning systems. Who knew that Gen Kayani's successor would change fate of the nation by turning it around; similarly let's believe Gen Raheel's successor would also raise the bar. Gen Raheel would be the last man to undermine his very own institution. He is our hero and we salute him for his sincerity, will and dedication towards his assignments. Let's curb this notion to flourish anymore.
Excellent article from a real Patriotic Pakistani. Sir You rightly targeted the BULL's Eye.
Extension is a bad idea, especially for a good man!
The author deserves kudos for this Incisive and timely piece. Here's a sobering thought: Generals from Ayub to Musharraf, who were hailed as knights in the shining armour, ended up in the limbo of history. Two troubling questions that flow from this article; How do we interpret LeT & JeM being left untouched?, and why is Musharraf let off the hook?
I agree with the auher that Gen. Musharaf's talk about extension of tenure of Gen. Raheel speaks a lot itself.
The existential war the Pakistan high command has been trying to avoid for decades. The Taliban forming political parties in Pakistan is nonsense. Their mission is to eventually destroy the government and replace it with themselves.
It is beyond logic to understand as to how a govt servant such as Army chief is beyond the rules of employment to which all the service officers are signatories . A service officer joins Army of his own free will and choice & regardless of rank is supposed to serve the nation which comes first and foremost . This is what Gen raheel is doing , nothing more nothing less , where is the question of flouting service rules for retirement and promotion that form basis of smooth functioning of Army . Flouting the same for whatever reason leads to a chain reaction beyond control.
@Ajk/Bham .... Don't count on it. Pakistan is very slowly moving forward.
@Rajendra Tiwari: I do aprreciate your views and sincerely hope that our desired wish will come true.
That was an absolute gem.......needs to read all over the country but more so in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
WE Pakistanis are so desperate that a tiny glimmer of hope throws us into frenzy and building up irrational expectations, like demanding extension of Gen Raheel Sharif, because he is so good for the country. Hanging his posters on main roads is not a patriotic act.
A rational approach would be to demand something better from the General, like strengthening the military establishment and other institutions in a way that coming or going of one individual commander should not affect the performance of the institution. That is how developed governments and successful multinationals work and perpetuate.
the institution of armed forces is doing a good job under present command, with support of national political leadership,to eliminate terrorism. this operation should continue in an organised manner with a sustained mechanism in place. no one person should become indispensable in this nation of 200m. fresh blood in the chain of command will invigorate the system and build confidence. sycophants' media campaign should be ignored and the decision-makers must take decisions on merit and at appropriate time. favourtism by giving extensions to certain state functionaries in the past has not produced any positive results. systems should be promoted rather than image-building of individuals.
An Army chief become COAS after 35-38 years of extremely tough job, in desert, in minus 40 C frozen Hill Top, at extremely tens boarders, Make eye contact with 6 inch guns, cannons, where as our politician (only Pakistani politician) came from highly rich families with silver/golden/platinum spoon in their mouth. They only trained in how to deliver speeches which can misguide masses. No word to appreciate these good guys (uniform officers), they are receiving salaries which are equal to an ordinary finance officer here.
@sh.jamil running army or a country is not a race.. its a continuous process and we should be able to rely on institutions (who are also held accountable) rather than expecting miracles from one individual (who after all is a human and will die one day). having said that i am great fan of COAS but insist he create stable, reliable, accountable institutions so generations after him and institutions after him are able to deliver
Our problem is that we are always in search of a Messiah, who will lead us to a salvation though a short cut. During the last couple of years it was Imran Khan and now it is Gen. Raheel. But I feel we should not depend on individuals. Nobody is indispensable. As they say graveyards are full of indispensables. Gen. Raheel is doing a good job but we should follow the rules in letters and spirits.
Current COAS must be extended for his services at this time. This is the time when nation is busy in curbing the very special and unique nature of terrorism. During WWII, in US where president term is only 2 term, President Roosevelt was elected 4 times, same with W Churchill and Josef Stallone of USSR. This is crucial time not a situation of normal and steady condition. Army and forces behind them need a leader who can well aware of complete story since beginning of Zarb-e- --- and upcoming Zarb.
Life is a stage, we play our role and move on. Systems are not dependant on individuals, if the do they perish.No disrespect to Gen Shareef but no extention. Do your job in ur due time and move on. Let some one else play his role, as far as MUSH is concerned least said is better.
Gen. Shariff should be retired on due date and the next best should be installed as per standard operating procedure followed all over the world. If he doesn't retire on time what happens to the next best waiting in queue. How does an individual become more important than the institution he represent ? These irregular practices are likely to cause seriuos distraction to Gen. Shariff as well as other senior Generals in the fight against terrorism.
I Support Gen. Raheel Sharif and his term should be extended as long as terrorist are eliminated , But I pray that his popularity don't take us to Army Rule. AGAIN
Ideally you would want strong civilian leadership steering a nation and its institutions together. But, maybe, that's unrealistic in Pakistan at this point in time. If its the military and its chief that the people of Pakistan see themselves rallying around in hope of a better future, then I guess, its better to respect their views. But, a few concerns will inevitably linger. Strengthening the hand of the military means weakening that of democratic institutions; meaning a further slide in Pakistan of democratic values. If Pakistan doesn't express faith in deomcratic principles and bodies for any sustained period of time, how can it make the turn towards a vigorious democratic nation? I wish and hope that the people of Pakistan - especially its brimming with energy and exuberance young men and women who have their futures invested in the Pakistan of tomorrow - make the right decisions for themselves.
@Imtiaz Piracha First paragraph of your makes sense. Next, you expect the military to do everything! Very Pakistani thinking.. Military is just supposed to care of boundries.. I thought Pakistan was a democratic country. How much do you expect from them.. beside being ruled by them and it has been that great either.
Thought provoking analysis,
Good point, surprised many, when this issue came up after PPP and other party corrupt members were hauled up for accountability.
We need to launch operations in Punjab - there is a clear and present danger which we continue to ignore at our own peril
mr abbas nasir, has been former Dawn editor, just before the present one.his choice of topic in given circumstances, followed by tactful conclusion that suggests to consider extension of general raheel sharif, raises many questions. First of all 18 months still ahead of retirement is enough time to setting national goals that is already in place.Think of former chief justice iftikhar choudhry who had only 16 hours ahead of retirement, thus he was so optimistic that he said it was 6 years.Army employment is like other government service, people come and go, and business should go as usual. Neither should he seek extension, nor may be considered by competant authorities.
Why is there no operation in Punjab? , why did we only launch an operation after the awful attack on the military school. The Gen needs to be proactive not reactive
Gen. Musharraf and media has responded to rumors spread by PMLN that Gen. Raheel will be retired later year.
Could it be that the PMLN wants to divide attention from the Nandipur scandal?
Please make this a democratic secular welfare state.
If raheel wants an exrension he must let the trials against musharraf contonue without hindrance
You people have the right person after a long time. Do not forget that he is the first who is balancing vey well between US, USSR and China. Extend his tenure before he decides to retire and live on a hill station or overseas.
No need for extension, the chain of command in our forces ensures the best on the top, it's only adventurism of some which devastated this country.
Army chief should retire and then run in the next elections.
@Siraj Ahmed undoubtedly GR is a great general and is highly focussed on his resolve to wipe out terrorism in the country. But it will be highly inappropriate if we think that Pakistan can not survive without GR. I think he himself should not accept the extension if granted and in the meantime should prepare his successor better than him. PAK army should be like a chain whose every link should be equally strong.
Long ago one of our Foreign Ministers had advised the Military Junta not to put arms in the hands of Non State Actors, its been thirty eight years and society is still paying the price. It will take at least a decade to complete a demilitarization of these non State Actors. Lets hope and pray we have the leadership and will to complete this process.
the author is quite right, this topic should not be discussed for another 12-15 months. The COAS should not be distracted by people with an agenda like musharraf.
I have been reading the "Opinion" columns of Dawn almost ever sice Dawn was made available online. There has been no dearth of wisdom in Pakistan as exhibited in these columns. Funny thing is I have not seen even one instance where such sane advice was ever followed in Pakistan.
@Imtiaz Piracha
The importance of institutions, right from the grass root education level, has been best summed up as under:
Few things should be very clear; COAS is the type of leader who leads by example; it has responsibility to ensure he has the best of generals in his team with his vision and strategy;
Spot on. However,current COAS has 14 more months to go and not 18 as reported in this article.
Sir as a Impeccable journalist I admire you, But the sad state of affairs is the same thing India suffers in Kashmir having nearly three lakh army placed,Pakistan will also be forced to keep It's rangers at Karachi and army at Tribal areas permanently. So end of the day unwanted huge expenses from Tax payer's money. I don't think this is going to end shortly.
COAS is just doing his job, which he is supposed to do anyways. No big deal. All over the world people do that. Let's not get carried away. A nations doesn't survive on one individual.
If COAS is incharge of all the policies then his replacement would be a problem because it will change all the policies. In my opinion National security council should be more active in formulating policies vis a vis internal as well external security. Such a body should comprise of generals, civilian officials and most importantly academicians and should be devoid of politicians as much as possible. And Army should be willing to abide. Too much deliverance and expectations from a single person is not the way forward.
By taking the bulls by the horn one by one, Gen. Raheel Sharif has brought back real hope in all citizens that the worst is behind and things will only get better. He seems to be peaking higher and higher in popularity levels. This is fast eroding any legacy of the Musharraf era from the collective memories of people, if at all. Being the ambitious person that Mushy is, is there any doubt that he is playing politics now to retain his dwindling relevance. At the same time, Nawaz Sharif is doing well on the economy and undertaking reforms and getting external partners for sustained progress. As such, the traditional army-civilian equations are changing. One more orderly transition to democracy with a healthy economy and that may even bring about civilian oversight. So the old guard among the boys would also be concerned about the way things are progressing and the likes of Musharraf may be biding opportune moments.
The debate on the issue is untimely.
Was't Musharraf labelled a doer too in his early days as COAS. He executed Kargil and blamed it on PM, removed PM and took over the country. Corruption was at it's lowest during his tenure, economy was at the peak and he faced no opposition. The same was for Zia. Remember he was labelled a success in Afghan operation, OIC etc. He was so popular that even hanging a popular leader like Bhutto only evoked little reaction from people. This is a natural progression in the life of any General. In power he faces no opposition. All the ills are blamed on civilians and good work gets attributed to the General. It is only when the General becomes weak, truth comes to fore.
@Mian Amir Hakim -Absolutely agree. Focus should be more on the Institution rather than People
@KM3
No doubt the present COAS is only doing his job. What endears him to the ordinary Pakistani is that people here are not used to seeing those entrusted with power, civil or military, do what they are supposed to do.
Oh!, we do want him to stay focused, just want this focus for four and a half years instead of one and a half. We certainly want the next elections under his watch and hopefully one after that.
@Zulmai Khan did you under stand the meaning of the above article?
I agree with writer that people should stop believing 72 virgin waiting and till this mindset is not eradicated, many army cheifs will come and go. Mr Raheel will be hard to replace. He is one of your best.
good and thought provoking..
@Bitter you are absolutely correct