YOUR editorial ‘Indian army pressure’ appears to have missed some points. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is not comparable to any secular democracy, where the military has ruled most of the time.

Historically, the relationships between the chief executive and his/her appointed defence minster or secretary, the former is elected and latter holds his position at the pleasure of the cabinet or the president.

In India, like the US, the defence department gives recommendations and presents military objectives to the prime minister or the president who decides finally.

It has been stated by the president of the US many times that he will take decisions based on the recommendations of commanders in the field. It has also happened several times (including the 1965 war) in India.

SAM BAIDYA Toronto, Canada

Common ground

THIS is with reference to your editorial ‘Indian army pressure’ (June 3). As a Canadian of Pakistani origin, I must endorse your editorial stance which effectively points fingers towards military establishments of both India and Pakistan for the on-again, off-again relationship between the two major countries of the South Asian region.

India and Pakistan must resolve their internecine problems amicably, with all good intentions in the world and divert more monies towards economic, social and educational developments of their peoples.

Indian and Pakistani civilian governments must become a basis for establishing a common ground between the peoples of the two countries. The military and  extremist elements in both the countries had done their utmost to spread enmities and hatred around. This must stop now.

Let both the countries, while safeguarding their sovereignty and independence, make strong economic commitments, like the one that exists amongst the European Union and North Atlantic Free Trade Area countries.

JALALUDDIN S. HUSSAIN Quebec, Canada