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Chief of Army Staff | General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.

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Tuesday, May 21, 2013


‘Misguided minority’ defeated by vote: Kayani


* COAS says nation has proved that it can face any challenge

* Army determined for prosperity and rule of law in country


RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Monday said that the people of Pakistan not only courageously withstood the threat of terrorism, they also defied and defeated unfounded dictates of an insignificant and misguided minority in the general elections.

Kayani said the nation has proved that it could face any challenge, and has defeated the “misguided minority”. “In the recently conducted general elections, the nation has amply demonstrated that it can withstand any challenge,” he remarked while addressing a day-long international symposium on counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) . “As a nation, our commitment to moderation, prosperity and rule of law is total and unwavering. We have the resolve and a firm belief to overcome the challenges towards attainment of these goals,” he added.

Kayani said one of these challenges was the threat of terrorism. “In fighting this menace, we share the experience of many other nations,” he added. In pursuit of global peace, Pakistan had to respond to this enemy equally innovatively while always staying a step ahead, he added. The COAS proposed formation of a regional military counter-improvised explosive device (C-IED) forum supported by a wider international forum to benefit from experiences of regional and global countries involved.

He hoped that this proposal would receive serious consideration from the participants and their countries. He said with the support and collaboration of international community, Pakistan and the region would overcome the menace of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). agencies


Kiyani imagines that Pakistanis will forgive his mercenary army - this army's sole function was to safe guard the Pakistani citizenry and state, instead this army colluded with the "misguided minority" to allow the creation of naya Pakistan and Tabdeeli to be derailed - It's time kiyani called it a day - and allow the army to regain it's honor and it's purpose.
 
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Kiyani imagines that Pakistanis will forgive his mercenary army - this army's sole function was to safe guard the Pakistani citizenry and state, instead this army colluded with the "misguided minority" to allow the creation of naya Pakistan and Tabdeeli to be derailed - It's time kiyani called it a day - and allow the army to regain it's honor and it's purpose.

You don't know what you are talking about. If it wasn't for him there wouldn't have been a Pakistan to be made "naya". He doesn't get the credit he deserves. Around 2007 the situation was much more complex than most people understand and he has done good job of navigating serious challenges and putting the country on the path to recovery.
 
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You don't know what you are talking about. If it wasn't for him there wouldn't have been a Pakistan to be made "naya". He doesn't get the credit he deserves.

Quite the opposite, without him, Pakistan's destiny would have a very different trajectory, one that does not include capitulation to the TTP, one in which party such ANP can thrive, and one in which the feudal politics of patronage would have suffered a serious setback

Of course I am not deny the school of thought which offers that serious and unpopular decisions have had to be made in the larger "national interest" = however, I do think it is overdue, that we begin to conceive of those interests more creatively and fashion instruments to protect them in such a way that does not reveal our intellectual bankruptcy where we reach for the same instrument over and over again, knowing full well that the instrument has failed us over and over again -- For Pakistan to change for the better, we must see to it that the structure of it's economy will change, and this is not possible with out a change in the structure and function of Pakistani politics.
 
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Opinion

Smoke signals from the GHQ

S Iftikhar Murshed
Sunday, May 26, 2013



The western media, like its counterpart here, has a morbid tendency to churn out Pakistan-related analyses that are often speculative and, at times, verge on the sensational. Earlier in the week, The New York Times carried an article titled ‘Sharif vs Army, Round 3’ which assumed, without substantiation, that prime minister-elect Nawaz Sharif “will insist on asserting his authority in ways that could put the generals on edge.”



Such hidebound assessments miss out on the possibility that the PML-N chief could have mellowed since his two disastrously stormy prime ministerial terms in the 1990s. At the other end of the rainbow, there is a glimmer of hope that the military establishment may have learnt from the follies of its past. The smoke signals rising from the GHQ indicate subtle changes in the army thinking under the leadership of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.



Kayani’s decision to call on the prime minister-in-waiting is a sign of the times. A PML-N insider, who has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, told me that the Sharif-Kayani meeting on May 18 was as unprecedented as it was profound. He then paused, looked over his shoulder for dramatic effect, and added that the three-hour-long talks had been wide-ranging and, within the PML-N inner circles, there was an emerging level of comfort that the Pakistan Army and the incoming government were, at last, on the same page.



Gen Kayani has been forthright in acknowledging that the foremost threat to Pakistan’s security is internal. This represents a radical departure from the past in which the threat perception was entirely external and India-focussed. There is also a corresponding realisation that a robust economy is indispensible for dealing with the security challenges confronting the country. The new thinking within the Pakistan Army is evident from three significant statements made by Kayani in the last thirteen months. The first of these was on April 18, 2012, when he told reporters that Pakistan should spend less on defence and more on development.



The army chief was absolutely clear that national security was inextricably linked to the economic well-being of the people. This applied as much to India as it did to Pakistan. In effect, the Kayani doctrine envisages peaceful coexistence with India after the settlement of all outstanding disputes as only then would the two nuclear-armed neighbours be able to focus on economic growth. The priority accorded to development over defence expenditure took Indian policy planners by storm and a New Delhi-based analyst conceded: “The onus for creating an enabling environment for a resolution of thorny issues between the two countries also lies squarely on Indian shoulders.”



The second pronouncement on national security came on the eve of Independence Day last year when, during a speech at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, General Kayani declared: “The fight against extremism and terrorism is our own fight and we are right in fighting it. Let there be no doubt about it, otherwise we will be divided and taken towards civil war. Our minds should be clear on this.”


The third statement was even more forceful and categorical when, during his Martyr’s Day address at the GHQ on April 30, 2013, the army chief chided those who had misgivings that the ongoing war on terrorism had been imposed on Pakistan. He did not bandy words and went straight to the point: “I would ask all those who raise such questions that if a small faction wants to impose its distorted ideology over the entire nation... and considers all forms of bloodshed justified, then, does the fight against this enemy constitute someone else’s war?”


But despite what the PML-N insider described as his party’s “emerging level of comfort” with the army, there is no convergence between the two on dealing with the ongoing military operations against the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Prime Minister-elect Nawaz Sharif and PTI chief Imran Khan are determined to initiate peace talks with the TTP even though the group does not accept the constitution and considers elections un-Islamic.



Article 6 of the constitution defines high treason as any attempt to subvert the basic law of the land and this includes those who aid and abet such a move. The question that arises here is whether any dialogue with an outfit such as the TTP, which is determined to replace the constitution with its skewed interpretation of Islam, is at all permissible.



An anguished army officer commented that even if the TTP and its affiliates renounce violence and accept the basic law of the land, they should still be severely punished “for the massacre of more than 40,000 of our citizens, or does the civilian leadership envisage another NRO, only this time round ruthless murderers and terrorists will be exonerated?” The political leadership, he said, had learnt nothing from the past. All but two of the thirteen agreements that had been reached with the militants had unravelled and, without exception, every truce had merely enabled the TTP and its affiliates to regroup and resume attacks on civilians and military personnel with incremental barbarity.



Need the PML-N and the PTI be reminded that extremism of any kind, particularly the Taliban version of Islam, has been consistently rejected by the people of Pakistan? In the May 11 elections the religious parties, especially those with links to the TTP, were trounced as on previous such occasions.



The outcome in NA-89 (Jhang), the hometown of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat (ASWJ) leader, Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi, is instructive. The unofficial results showed that the ASWJ chief had been defeated. However, he demanded a recount and insisted that this should include all rejected votes. The winning candidate, brimming with confidence, unhesitatingly accepted the challenge and Ludhianvi was again roundly defeated. The voters were unimpressed by the cleric’s religious pretentions.



Despite this, the country’s leaders have not been able to overcome the habit of invoking Islam in their speeches and public pronouncements, and this applies also to General Kayani. In his address at the PMA on the occasion of the passing out parade of the 127th long course on April 20 he stated: “Let me remind you that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Islam can never be taken out of Pakistan.... I assure you that regardless of the odds, the Pakistan Army, will keep on doing its best towards our common dream for a truly Islamic Republic of Pakistan, as envisaged by the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.”



For starters, Pakistan became an ‘Islamic Republic’ several years after Jinnah’s death. Second, his struggle was for the establishment of a Muslim majority state in which religion was a private matter and had “nothing to do with the business of the state.” Third, an Islamic state has never existed in history and, even the learned ulema, when questioned by the Munir Commission in 1953, were unable to agree when such a state had been in existence. Fourth, and by far the most important, is the distinction between the terms ‘Islamic’ and ‘Muslim’.


Islam is only and exclusively the word of God as enshrined in the Quran plus the authentic hadith and sunnah. Anything beyond that is the subjective deductions of Muslims and can be as far removed from Islamic tenets as is the fraudulent ideology of the Taliban. One hopes that the incoming government will bear this in mind as it begins its ill-advised negotiations with the TTP.



General Kayani’s resolve to take on the TTP is undoubtedly the correct approach. But he should also bear in mind that the Afghan and the Pakistani Taliban are ideological twins who derive strength from each other. For instance, when Baitullah Mehsud became the undisputed leader of the militants in 2004, he was also appointed Mullah Omar’s governor in the area. This is what needs to be factored into the Kayani doctrine.



The writer is the publisher of Criterion Quarterly. Email: iftimurshed ***********
 
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Opinion

Kayani’s olive branch

Farooq Hameed Khan

Monday, May 27, 2013



Islamabad is all set to welcome Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif as the country’s prime minister for the third time, more than 13 years after the October 12, 1999 military takeover. The nation awaits a changed and determined Nawaz Sharif with the vision of a true statesman.



Gen Kayani’s recent three hour luncheon meeting with the Sharifs was no mere social call; reportedly a wide range of national and security-related issues along with the regional situation were discussed. This visit also served as a confidence building measure, signalling the military’s support to the incoming government.



Given the history of Nawaz’s tense relations with the army, Gen Kayani’s well-timed initiative to extend the olive branch to the Sharifs soon after their election victory, should allay the PML-N’s top leadership’s concerns about the army undermining its future government. The army, too, may have certain reservations, following Mian Sahib’s recent controversial interview to a foreign journalist.



While the Sharifs-Kayani meeting served as a new beginning in promoting Nawaz Sharif’s personal rapprochement with the military, it should also prove a good omen for civil-military relations during the next five years of PML-N rule. If the army tolerated the PPP’s five years of misrule, turmoil, loot and plunder – all for the sake of democracy – then the PML-N government deserves greater support of the security establishment to meet the challenges facing the country.



There is a clear divergence between the army, the PML-N and the PTI on the modalities of negotiating with the Taliban. Cordial civil-military relations are, therefore, essential for evolving national consensus/strategy on ending the war on terror, stopping drone attacks, talking to the Taliban and, most significantly, Pakistan’s role in Afghan peace process.



In view of his past unpleasant experiences in the selection of army chiefs, Nawaz Sharif made it known in a recent interview that he would use seniority as the criterion for appointment to this post.



While the principle of seniority is ideal, the recommendations of the Ministry of Defence – based on GHQ’s input regarding merit/suitability of senior officers – should carry due weight in the selection of a new chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC)/Chief of Army Staff later this year.



Mian Sahib had also appointed the then army chief, Gen Pervez Musharraf as CJCSC in 1998. It remains to be seen if he goes back to the time-honoured practice of rotating the CJCSC post to the air force or the navy or let the army retain it. If the PML-N plans to revive the office of national security adviser it needs to carefully select a retired three star general or senior civilian bureaucrat to this post.



In the wake of the Model Town meeting, will Mian Nawaz Sharif soften his stance on proceeding with the Kargil Commission? With so much having taken place since 1999, will it be prudent to rock the army’s boat now? If the military has learnt lessons from such adventures, why reopen the old wounds and strain civil-military atmosphere?


While Nawaz Sharif announced during the election campaign that he had forgiven Gen Musharraf, his earlier enthusiasm on implementing Article 6 seems to have also diluted ever since the former army chief returned to Pakistan.



It remains to be seen if ‘international guarantors’ manage to work out a face-saving agreement for all that also gives Musharraf a safe passage out of the country. But with the former army chief and president being denied bail in the judges detention case and the Supreme Court’s indication of setting up a special court to try Musharraf for treason, has the judiciary conveyed its message to all concerned?



Such are the twists and turns of destiny that if Musharraf remains confined in his Chak Shehzad farm house he will only be a few kilometres away from Nawaz Sharif’s future abode in the PM House on Constitution Avenue.



Mian Sahib’s return to power has also been well received by the Indian leadership. He, therefore, has an historic opportunity to negotiate resolution of core disputes like Kashmir and water wars as well as the more easily resolvable issues like Siachen and Sir Creek.



His efforts to improve bilateral relations and promote peace with India are likely to be approved of by both the people and the army. He may, perhaps, like to maintain a more deliberate approach in moving forward with normalising relations with India.



With a supportive judiciary that is unlikely to create problems for the Sharifs, a media that seems to be in no confrontational mood and the army with a reformed, pro-democracy mindset, the overall environment in Rawalpindi and Islamabad seems favourable for Mian Sahib.



He should endeavour to work towards a working relationship with the army that is based on mutual trust – and bury the bitter memories of October 12, 1999. This will also depend to a great extent on the advice rendered by his close advisers, including a few retired three star generals affiliated with the PML-N.



The PML-N’s first two governments ended prematurely due to unfortunate circumstances. If Nawaz Sharif moves to Islamabad with a conciliatory approach towards all national institutions – including the military – he could well ensure smooth sailing for himself and his government till 2018.



When Gen Kayani cast his symbolic vote in uniform, a sight rarely seen before, there remained no doubts that the army chief was subservient to the civilian leadership. With no interference by the security establishment in Elections 2013, the PML-N can perhaps look at the army as an ally rather than a potential foe.



The writer is a retired brigadier. Email: fhkhan 54@gmail.com
 
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Just days before the Election, in the presence of foreign diplomats and military attaches, Kiyani said the war against the Talib is Pakistan's war - was this for the consumption of the foreigners or did he really mean Pakistan's surrender?

It's a difficult circle to square, and perhaps therefore smoke signals, suffice where there is not room for many questions
 
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Just days before the Election, in the presence of foreign diplomats and military attaches, Kiyani said the war against the Talib is Pakistan's war - was this for the consumption of the foreigners or did he really mean Pakistan's surrender?

It's a difficult circle to square, and perhaps therefore smoke signals, suffice where there is not room for many questions

said it at the PMA passing-out ceremony or yuam-e-shudha ceremony. lets see what happens....he has 6 months to go and the new CoAS will be the real driver of this policy statement but then the newbie will be selected by our new PM.
 
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So uoi agree that was for the consumption of the foreigners? Well, I don't know the man but I don't care for him, never inspired me.
 
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So uoi agree that was for the consumption of the foreigners? Well, I don't know the man but I don't care for him, never inspired me.

no it was not. it was for the consumption of our politicians.
 
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COAS ADDRESS ON THE EVE OF YAUM - E - SHUHADDA - 2013

Press Release


Rawalpindi - April 30, 2013


Today's evening is dedicated to our martyrs, veterans and soldiers who remain steadfast and resolutely committed in the defence of our sacred motherland. Regardless of the cost, our spirits are high and our determination unwavering. The nefarious designs of our enemy, may it be internal or external, will never succeed and we shall eventually prevail. I can say this with complete confidence because I know that the blessings of Almighty Allah and prayers of the entire Nation are with us. This realization is indeed the source of our real strength, which affords us a distinct edge and dominance over the enemy.

We are deeply indebted to the families of our martyrs, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of our freedom. We cannot repay their debt, however, we profoundly acknowledge their courage and valour and pray to the Almighty to honour their great sacrifice and to bless our motherland.

Last year, on this occasion, we were confronted with a great tragedy. We had lost 140 of our gallant companions in an avalanche at Gayari. We had vowed that come what may we would not rest till the very last body of our martyrs is recovered. The search is still on in extremely rugged terrain; 13000 feet above sea level. By the grace of Almighty we have recovered the remains of 125 of our companions and Allah willing we will soon complete the task.

Pakistan is a great blessing for all of us. It is because of our beloved motherland that we live in freedom as an independent Nation. We have made enormous sacrifices for this freedom and we are prepared to continue doing so, to preserve it. However, despite tremendous sacrifices, the dream of our founding fathers under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam and Alama Iqbal is yet to be realized. Perhaps, we have either not discovered the correct path or have not remained steadfast in our journey. Yet the spirit of sacrifice and resilience of our Nation remains undiminished. I have no doubts, whatsoever, that we retain the ability to touch the heights of glory. Hence, it is imperative that we do not let despair or disillusionment afflict our resolve.

Allah willing, General Elections would be held in the country on 11th of May. We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it. This indeed is a golden opportunity, which can usher in an era of true democratic values in the country. In my opinion, it is not merely retribution, but awareness and participation of the masses that can truly end this game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship. If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system. Our salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistan is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests. Otherwise, may it be democracy or dictatorship, governance would continue to remain a means of self aggrandizement and that of plundering national wealth and resources.

I assure you, that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution. I also assure you that this support shall solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country. Like every Pakistani, Pakistan Army, in its humble capacity, has endeavoured to strengthen democracy in the last five years, with the hope that the next elections would steer the country towards betterment. Now, once the destination is in sight we must not err in accomplishing our responsibilities towards the election process. We must never forget that success of any system resides in coming up to the aspirations of the masses. The success of democracy is intimately linked with the wellbeing and prosperity of the Nation. The real virtue of democracy ultimately lies in the safety and welfare of the masses.

The conduct of General Elections is not an end per se, but is surely an important means towards delivering us from our present sufferings. To bring an end to our tribulations, it is also imperative to foster a profound understanding of our national ethos and aspirations. The General Elections will provide us the foundation. To build on this foundation, we would have to find answers to many questions; war against terrorism being one of these questions.

The menace of terrorism and extremism has claimed thousands of lives, including those of the Army, Rangers, FC, Police, Frontier Constabulary, Levies and innocent people of Pakistan. If we include the injured and affected family members of the martyrs, the numbers increase manifold. Our external enemies are busy in igniting the flames of this fire. However, despite all this bloodshed, certain quarters still want to remain embroiled in the debate concerning the causes of this war and who imposed it on us. While this may be important in itself but the fact of the matter is that today it is Pakistan and its valiant people who are a target of this war and are suffering tremendously. I would like to ask all those who raise such questions that if a small faction wants to enforce its distorted ideology over the entire Nation by taking up arms and for this purpose defies the Constitution of Pakistan and the democratic process and considers all forms of bloodshed justified, then, does the fight against this enemy of the state constitute someone else's war? Even in the history of the best evolved democratic states, treason or seditious uprisings against the state have never been tolerated and in such struggles their armed forces have had unflinching support of the masses;

questions about the ownership of such wars have never been raised. We cannot afford to confuse our soldiers and weaken their resolve with such misgivings. Every drop of blood, shed in the national cause, is sacred and no one can better understand its value than the families who are present here today; because their dear ones have already made the ultimate sacrifice. We must not hurt the sentiments of these saviours of the Nation through our words and deeds.

We sincerely desire that all those who have strayed and have picked up arms against the Nation, return to the national fold. However, this is only possible once they unconditionally submit to the State, its Constitution and the Rule of Law. There is no room for doubts when it comes to dealing with rebellion against the state. Towards this end, while truly acknowledging the national aspirations and value of our martyr's blood, we as a Nation need to forge consensus towards evolving a clear policy through mutual consultations. Considering this war against terrorism as the war of the armed forces alone can lead to chaos and disarray that we cannot afford
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In line with the spirit of this occasion, alongside Pakistan Army I would like to express my profound appreciation for FC, Rangers, Police, Frontier Constabulary and Levies, who have sacrificed tremendously in the struggle against terrorism and extremism and have kept the flag of Pakistan fluttering high. However, the biggest sacrifice has been rendered by the people of Pakistan, whose steadfastness and support is a source of immense strength for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. I salute the spirit of patriotism of the entire Nation.

Martyrdom is a great honour and fortunate are those who are blessed with it. We all sincerely pray for the families of the Shuhada. May Allah grant them strength and fortitude! Ameen!

Yaum-e-Shuhada is being observed throughout Pakistan. The purpose of observing this day is that we as a nation renew our resolve to never forget the sacrifices of our Shuhada. Their blood is sacred and a source of pride for Pakistan Army and the Nation. We would never let their sacrifice go waste.


May Allah be our protector and guide! Ameen!
Pakistan Army Zindabaad!
Pakistan Paindabad!
 
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Kayani stresses balance between development and defence

QUETTA (Dunya News) - Addressing the participants of Command and Staff Course, the COAS said that for meaningful and sustainable progress, a nation has to strike the right balance between the requirements of development and defence.

It is the duty of the Armed Forces to maintain adequate capabilities and readiness to fulfill the tasks assigned, he said.

The COAS said that no Army operates in a vacuum, rather it draws upon the support of the nation to conduct its tasks in a manner that it contributes to the fulfillment of national polices, interests and aspirations.

He stressed upon the participants to serve the nation through excellence in profession, dedication and commitment.

Earlier, on arrival at Quetta, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Alam Khattak, Commander Quetta Corps.


Dunya News: Pakistan:-Kayani stresses balance between development and de...



100% agree with Gen Kayani
 
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Kayani stresses balance between development and defence

QUETTA (Dunya News) - Addressing the participants of Command and Staff Course, the COAS said that for meaningful and sustainable progress, a nation has to strike the right balance between the requirements of development and defence.

It is the duty of the Armed Forces to maintain adequate capabilities and readiness to fulfill the tasks assigned, he said.

The COAS said that no Army operates in a vacuum, rather it draws upon the support of the nation to conduct its tasks in a manner that it contributes to the fulfillment of national polices, interests and aspirations.

He stressed upon the participants to serve the nation through excellence in profession, dedication and commitment.

Earlier, on arrival at Quetta, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Alam Khattak, Commander Quetta Corps.


Dunya News: Pakistan:-Kayani stresses balance between development and de...



100% agree with Gen Kayani

Well done, Mr kiyani plz takeout your uniform, come to the court & let the pakistani awam knows about, the Secret behind BB,s murder, & all about the dam abbotabad episode, no sir we hvnt forgot a dime?
If musharaf can face the courts, why cant you?
 
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The Kayani Model


March 21, 2009


Jehangir Karamat


This time the military followed what must be called the ‘Kayani Model’—invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence in the right quarter. The preference was for the institution rather than any individual and there was no personal angle or ambition.


LAHORE, Pakistan—Pakistan moved towards a precipice, teetered on its edge and moved back. Internationally there was a collective sigh of relief that a disaster had been averted. Within Pakistan there is jubilation. People power has triumphed over State power. The State after flexing every muscle it had, gave in to the marching hordes. It was the right thing to do because the other option would have led to the end of democracy. Now democracy stands strengthened and the road map to a shift of the power center to the people is clear. This opens a new chapter in Pakistan’s history as hope and optimism pervade the environment after the gloom generated by the deadlock.

The deposed Chief Justice was already a hero for the people simply because he had stood up to a military dictator. Now there are other heroes; the politicians who defied arrest and braved barricades and police brutality, the lawyers who sparked the demand for an independent judiciary under the re-instated Chief Justice, the people who thronged to the rallies and marches oblivious to the danger and discomfort and the media that defied gag orders and restrictions to bring the struggle into every household. Except for what the police did, there was no violence—just people who wanted justice, law and order, security and an enforcement of laws that limit excesses and make a democracy a republic that cannot be manipulated to suit individuals.

There were many doomsday scenarios predicted as the drama played out on the streets and TV screens. The most pervasive view was that the ‘high noon’ in Islamabad would lead to military intervention because this was the experience of the past—crude outright take-over, forced resignations to drive out everyone and start anew and public criticism to pressure the government. There were also the Bangladesh and Thailand models with the military manipulating changes. This time the military followed what must be called the ‘Kayani Model’—invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence in the right quarter. The preference was for the institution rather than any individual and there was no personal angle or ambition. It worked. The lawyers, politicians and the people who were out on the street pitted against the power of the state never asked for military intervention—they relied on their own power and were prepared for the worst. The military acted to avert, to correct and to clear the way for full democracy with the center of gravity where it should be—in parliament and the people. As events unfold this is exactly what is likely to happen.

There were phone calls from abroad, frantic running around by concerned envoys and negotiators trying to bring about a reconciliation that would have been a respite not the solution. The solution came from within—home grown and totally suited to the environment and in line with the national urge not to derail democracy. This augers well for the future of democracy and for civil-military relations— the military has demonstrated its full support for democracy and abhorrence for intervention. The intelligence agencies have been kept out of the fray except for the over-watch necessary for national security. Quietly but firmly a precedence has been set to determine the future course of events; forging a national response to the threats, charting a blue-print for the economy, making a pragmatic foreign policy and bringing about effective responsive governance –all stemming from political stability.

The biggest folly would be to start identifying winners and losers. There were none. Everybody won. If the government had not acted at the outset to ensure security there may have been a tragic event as in the past. If it had not responded to the will of the people it would have led to violence. If it had not listened to the voice of reason it would have doomed democracy. In the end the government did what was best for the country and the people—that is what governments are there for.

The writer is a former Chief of the Army Staff who now heads a think tank, Spearhead. Spearhead Research - Pakistan




will the next army chief follow the 'kiyani model'.....
 
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Chief of Army Staff with Tirbal Elders during his visit to South Wazirastan on Thursday after inaugurating 50 KM long road Wana-Angoor Adha ( Also called third corridor).

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The Kayani Model


March 21, 2009


Jehangir Karamat


This time the military followed what must be called the ‘Kayani Model’—invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence in the right quarter. The preference was for the institution rather than any individual and there was no personal angle or ambition.


LAHORE, Pakistan—Pakistan moved towards a precipice, teetered on its edge and moved back. Internationally there was a collective sigh of relief that a disaster had been averted. Within Pakistan there is jubilation. People power has triumphed over State power. The State after flexing every muscle it had, gave in to the marching hordes. It was the right thing to do because the other option would have led to the end of democracy. Now democracy stands strengthened and the road map to a shift of the power center to the people is clear. This opens a new chapter in Pakistan’s history as hope and optimism pervade the environment after the gloom generated by the deadlock.

The deposed Chief Justice was already a hero for the people simply because he had stood up to a military dictator. Now there are other heroes; the politicians who defied arrest and braved barricades and police brutality, the lawyers who sparked the demand for an independent judiciary under the re-instated Chief Justice, the people who thronged to the rallies and marches oblivious to the danger and discomfort and the media that defied gag orders and restrictions to bring the struggle into every household. Except for what the police did, there was no violence—just people who wanted justice, law and order, security and an enforcement of laws that limit excesses and make a democracy a republic that cannot be manipulated to suit individuals.

There were many doomsday scenarios predicted as the drama played out on the streets and TV screens. The most pervasive view was that the ‘high noon’ in Islamabad would lead to military intervention because this was the experience of the past—crude outright take-over, forced resignations to drive out everyone and start anew and public criticism to pressure the government. There were also the Bangladesh and Thailand models with the military manipulating changes. This time the military followed what must be called the ‘Kayani Model’—invisible but around, fully informed and acting through well timed and effective influence in the right quarter. The preference was for the institution rather than any individual and there was no personal angle or ambition. It worked. The lawyers, politicians and the people who were out on the street pitted against the power of the state never asked for military intervention—they relied on their own power and were prepared for the worst. The military acted to avert, to correct and to clear the way for full democracy with the center of gravity where it should be—in parliament and the people. As events unfold this is exactly what is likely to happen.

There were phone calls from abroad, frantic running around by concerned envoys and negotiators trying to bring about a reconciliation that would have been a respite not the solution. The solution came from within—home grown and totally suited to the environment and in line with the national urge not to derail democracy. This augers well for the future of democracy and for civil-military relations— the military has demonstrated its full support for democracy and abhorrence for intervention. The intelligence agencies have been kept out of the fray except for the over-watch necessary for national security. Quietly but firmly a precedence has been set to determine the future course of events; forging a national response to the threats, charting a blue-print for the economy, making a pragmatic foreign policy and bringing about effective responsive governance –all stemming from political stability.

The biggest folly would be to start identifying winners and losers. There were none. Everybody won. If the government had not acted at the outset to ensure security there may have been a tragic event as in the past. If it had not responded to the will of the people it would have led to violence. If it had not listened to the voice of reason it would have doomed democracy. In the end the government did what was best for the country and the people—that is what governments are there for.

The writer is a former Chief of the Army Staff who now heads a think tank, Spearhead. Spearhead Research - Pakistan




will the next army chief follow the 'kiyani model'.....

if damocrazy kept to be continued & pakistans future becomes in danger no, we didnt want that kiyani & that crooked jamhoriyat?
at least not anymore abottabad?
hopefully new army chief would never gets the fever of damocrazy, by that it doesnt meant he takeover personaly but he should introduce a chain of command with rotation as its going good in china!
 
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