Challenges of modern war
October 22, 2012
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Khalid Shamim Wynne, has warned that unless our future military leadership were to adopt the emerging trends in modern warfare, the country would face a serious threat to its independence and sovereignty. His words: “We are living in an era of rapid technological advancement and future military leadership will find itself at a loss if they fail to keep pace with evolving trends.” He was addressing the passing out parade at the Kakul Military Academy on Saturday. General Wynne’s warning is not misplaced at all. Every age brings in its own challenges and the warfare is no exception, as the military strategists and experts keep devising ever new ways to defeat the enemy, with the lead provided by the latest scientific and technological inventions. The General, however, maintained that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and was eager to see peace prevail at the international level; for, that would be conducive to the country’s own stability. Beyond doubt, peace holds the key to any activity that could usher in an era of better and brighter future for the nation.
The terrorist phenomenon is one that Pakistan has suffered most at the hands of. Where the problem is found at home, so too is the solution. To discuss issues related to this war, now 11 years old, Marc Grossman, US Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan, has come to Pakistan and met Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar and COAS General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday. He stated that launching an operation in North Waziristan was for the government of Pakistan, “solely for the government of Pakistan” to decide. Indeed that is so, but the lack of a clear decision from our own government and military top hierarchy is making the confusion worse, while offering no hope for a solution to the problem. It is admitted by all in decision making circles that a military challenge to terrorists wherever they exist, must be issued, or the prospect of more tragedies like the attack on Malala borne. A resolution was tabled in the National Assembly by the government but was aborted by the PML-N questioning that if the culprits had come from Afghanistan (the fugitive Maulvi Fazlullah outfit) there was no logic in moving into the NWA. Hopefully, both the political and military leaderships will take cognizance of the situation before making any decision. But, the decision is becoming more and more obvious to those who fear for the future of Pakistan if we don’t take necessary steps to safeguard ourselves now.
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