Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s recent
statement was apt, timely and thought-provoking. It is a positive
contribution that evoked a lively media debate. Vested interests tried
to portray it as the “clash of institutions”. However, difference of
opinion is not at all a sign of “clash” between state organs, especially
in a mature and democratic society.
Pakistan today is neither
run by a dictator, nor solely governed by foreign diktat. Indeed,
national interest is supreme; and wisely the army is not claiming
monopoly of it, neither can any other individual or group!
At the
moment, Pakistan’s environment is internally diverse and externally
demanding. National political power in the state is shared between
multiple power centres and is passing through a “defining phase”. The
military, judiciary, national and provincial governments, political
parties, media, civil society and even reformers are all stakeholders.
However, the COAS address was appreciated in numerous quarters; both the
PPP and the PML-N responded positively.
The army has and should
further distance itself from previous military dispensations. It belongs
to the nation and is adored by the people of Pakistan. Similarly, the
ISI, while bravely defending the nation, has further improved its image.
In the forthcoming elections, it is not supporting any political party,
as was the perception some time ago.
The previous mistakes
committed by all in the country, including the army, can be accounted
individually, since no one is above the law. Undoubtedly, the Supreme
Court is revered by all Pakistanis. By the same token, ‘army bashing’,
as appears in a section of the sensationalised media, is unwarranted. In
fact, when seen in the light of hostile geopolitics, it betrays the
sinister aim of an alien game plan.
Today, some of the major geopolitical and national issues concerning Pakistan are:
Afghanistan
in post-2014 period: President Barack Obama’s re-election means that
the 2014 exit strategy for USA is reconfirmed. Pakistan does not need to
fight a war, which the US is itself aborting. The Americans are leaving
(even if a rear guard is left behind), while the Talibans are staying
in Afghanistan. Pakistan needs peace in Afghanistan and peace on the
Pak-Afghan border. Pakistani army needs to be freed from war on its
western border. This already enjoys the broad consensus of Pakistanis
and the army is contributing heroically to that end.
Balochistan
and foreign intervention: Balochistan is in turmoil due to past mistakes
and hostile geostrategy. The Indians are keen to block Gwadar and
Americans agree; in addition, they want to isolate Iran. A so-called
West Asian strategy is being chiselled to create independent
Balochistan.
Reportedly, Dr Waheed Baloch, an immigrant,
requested the US administration to intervene in Balochistan through the
CIA (a la Libya and Syrian model). This was an attempt at balkanising
both Pakistan and Iran by alien forces. This was initially a
neocon-sponsored balkanisation project. It is hoped that a re-elected
President Obama will maintain friendship with Pakistan, rather than
allow wildly dangerous misadventures in his second term. China and
Russia support Pakistan and Iran; nevertheless, they are also striving
to reach the Indian Ocean from Balochistan.
The Baloch have to be
brought on board so that Pakistan is united for a national purpose. All
Pakistani citizens must support a new amiable army as well as political
initiative for peace in Balochistan.
Peace with India and
Kashmir: Peace with India is logical, since both countries have nuclear
weapons. The nuclear powers cannot afford direct confrontation, simply
because it is totally destructive and unaffordable. Pakistan’s nuclear
strides cannot be taken lightly, nor can peace be one-sided. Even as
Pakistan seeks peace with India and trade flows multiply, India should
reciprocate. Instead of planning ‘Cold Start’, Kashmir needs to be
resolved.
Economic cycle: Pakistan needs to revive an economic
national cycle. This warrants social, political and economic reforms
that will boost its growth. In addition to augmenting its traditional
economic base, Pakistan needs to embrace geo-economics. Its pivotal
geography and diligent demography, can convert the Gwadar dream into a
reality. Peace and prosperity go together!
Today, the army is
ready to defend Pakistan and its national interests. The people, through
both rustic and intellectual wisdom, understand the national interests.
Needless to say, the army supported by the nation will defend the
country against all odds.
The writer is a retired brigadier and
has authored a book titled Gwadar on the Global Chessboard. Email:
nadirmir13@gmail.com Blog: wwwpakistangeopolitics.blogspot.com