IT is interesting indeed to read two letters (May 9) as they portray completely two different viewpoints of how Pakistan should be governed by civilian and military establishments.

This refers to ‘Nawaz Sharif and Musharraf’ by Capt. S. Afaq Rizvi and ‘Gen Kayani and policy statements’ by S.G. Jilanee and Col (r) Javed Majid.

If things had happened according to what a civilian prime minister had planned, Pakistan’s army chief and the alleged architect of the Kargil adventure would have ended up in enemy hands with all national security secrets, nuclear secrets and other information related to defensive measures and details in his possession, exposing this country to a full-fledged ‘takeover’ within hours.

The other letters suggest that a civilian supremacy is essential for an elected government to carry out its responsibilities.

Leaving the past behind, consequently the onus is on politicians and people who want to be elected to serve the nation. It is the question of competency of the people who are becoming part of an elected government. Democracy in Pakistan is new and it needs sustained efforts to give strength.

Things should get better as next elected government is around the corner, no money launderers, no tax evaders, no fake degree holders, no convicted people of any sort should make it to the respectable seat of a parliamentarian anymore.

Once people with integrity and honesty make their way to parliaments, all other ills of society will start to eliminate such as nepotism, corruption, VIP culture, injustices to name a few.

One very encouraging point worth mentioning here is that in the last five years despite many calls, vocal or otherwise, and pathetic governance by the elected government of 2008, Gen Kayani displayed true military professionalism and discipline by not interfering in any of the affairs of the civilian government, though some instances suggested a total justified reason for the military establishment to intervene.

ANAS A. KHAN Edmonton, Canada