APROPOS the letter “Raheel’s new task” (Jan 13). We all agree retired general Raheel served his tenure as army chief with distinction. He started Zarb-i-Azb and largely cleared areas previously in the hands of militants.

Normally, a period of two years is required before any official can undertake any important position after retiring from the armed forces, without an NOC from the department concerned.

Accepting the position of command of the 39-nation Muslim countries, some of whose name we have never even heard, such as Benin, Comoros and Cote d’lvoire, will create more divisions in the Islamic world. Moreocer, big countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria and Yemen are not part of the alliance.

If, tomorrow, Iran proposes an alliance and requests a Pakistani general to head it, would it be appropriate?

Mr Raheel has gained much respect and popularity, thanks to his own efforts and that of the Inter-service public relations. He should not do anything that could tarnish this image. Playing golf would be a better option.

Jaffar Naqvi

Lahore

Published in Dawn January 14th, 2017