Strangely, after operation Swift Retort, the Indians were complaining that they needed a DG ISPR level position for information dissemination and control. They felt that such a role was important in projecting single narratives around the war.
I see the merits of a civilian control over the DG ISPR, but I also think it should be left to the military to tell their story. Unless the fundamental military-civil divide in Pakistan is resolved, it is meaningless to attempt such a pivot. In fact, even after this military-civil divide is addressed, the position of DG ISPR should remain with the military. My only concern is that the DG ISPR, just like the ISI and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, has turned into an army domain where the navy and Air Force have no say. Due to the evolving nature of the modern war, I think the Air Force and navy should be given their due respect. The era of vast armies rolling into enemy territory are over. Today it is about air and naval projections.
Pakistan’s understanding of the military hierarchy should also evolve. In fact, such an evolution will go a long way in resolving the military-civil divide itself, and probably help create a more professional, depoliticized and result oriented army instead of the current DHA land grabbing mafia and egotistical overlords they have now turned into.
