STRAIGHT TALK by Hafeez Khan
Anyone who has witnessed PMA Kakul passing out parades would bear me out that it is an awesome experience. The uniformity of movements, the emotions generated by music in the background and the glamor of the marchpast is overwhelming. Having grown up in the garrison city of Abbottabad, the image and perception of the officer cadre created an aura of invincibility. We got ourindependence in 1947, yet the traditions inherited from British Army continue to dominate the form and substance till today. While the structure and formatting are similar, the roles of British and Pakistani Army are poles apart. British Army operates within the law, while Pakistan has suffered under four martial laws and now Generals rule through proxy puppets.
The British Military view Pakistan’s GHQ as their protégé. They have worked very closely with the top generals over decades. That is why our Army Chief dashed off to London seeking legitimacy from British Army Brass when his image was in tatters. The Guard of Honor was impressive, but it is offered to most dignitaries. However, the aura balloon created for his highness was punctured when British Pakistanis gathered in hundreds to protest the General’s visit in front of the Pakistan’s High Commission. This was the first overseas protest against a serving general in Pakistan’s 75–year history. It was impromptu, organized on a working day at short notice. The message was clear; British support for the “butcher of Islamabad” is unacceptable.
Those who live in the West recognize that nothing comes free. Was it a dressing down for his shenanigans? Or as per the grapevine, is Pakistan being prepped to participate in the peace-keeping force in Ukraine? President Trump has totally reversed the course followed by President Biden. USA funded Ukraine war effort with 350 billion dollars versus Europe’s 150 billion. Trump wants to end the conflict and recover losses. The peace-keeping forceswill come from countries that stayed neutral at the start of the conflict. We have to thank IK for that position despite General Bajwa’s cowardly stance.
Pakistan’s military intervention started in 1958 with Ayub Khan. His take over was facilitated by Pentagon because they wanted airbases to fly U2 spy planes over USSR. They didn’t like dealing with “messy” politicians. Zia was brought in preparation of Afghan Jihad. Musharraf became relevant after 9/11. Conniving Bajwa was able to convince Biden Administration that Imran Khan was anti-US and had to be ousted. Top policeman, Biden, turned a blind eye to atrocities of Bajwa and General Asim. Why would it be any different now? The change on 20th January has brought in President Trump. He is his own man. Overseas Pakistani groups have made serious inroads into the Trump team.
This is 21st century where facts cannot be concealed. Social media has broken the barriers used by previous tyrants. Inconvenient truth comes out immediately. The resentment against the autocratic rule of General Asim has built-up to unsustainable levels. His failures abound on political, economic and legal fronts. Prime Minister Shahbaz has no credentials or impact. In a desperate move to portray success, the General has replaced him with Maryam as the poster-girl. Cholistan’s green event portraying a “coy and shy” CM Punjab has created a turmoil. General’s reaction was fierce. His rant about respect of women in Islam and cutting limbs of those who disagreed caused an uproar. Multiple female voices whohave been mistreated by this regime spoke up. Masses were outraged at the hypocrisy and called him out.
“The emperor has no clothes.” The backlash is the usualone. Anyone disrespecting the “Maharani” is being kidnapped and tortured. A jalsa was organized in Narowal, once a bastion of PML(N), in a tiny plot. All government employees were coerced into attending. Yet, the event bombed. What the General and his political touts are unable to comprehend is that masses are fed-up with them and hate them. Recently Nawaz Sharif has woken up. His roar threatens anyone coming out to protest. What’s new about these bully tactics? It has not worked for last three years, why would it work now?
As the economy goes downhill, the General and his puppets claim we are taking off! What a load of bull. Army’s appointed Finance Minister has recently accepted that this regime has no credibility on the economic front. Imran Khan’s recent letters to Army Chief have highlighted areas of serious concern. The divide between Pakistanis and their defenders is widening by the day. In this war of creating perceptions, there will be no winners and country will go from bad to worse.
Imran Khan is locked up in a cubby hole. He is suffering yet another isolation. The General and his touts must stop living in a fool’s paradise. IK is locked up yet he rules the hearts and minds of Pakistanis at home and abroad. Their weapon of destruction, torture and kidnapping, is being exposed internationally. Zalmay Khalilzad’s tweet questioning the British Generals for entertaining the “Butcher of Islamabad” is reverberating around the globe.
A nuclear nation of 250 million people is totally adrift. Over 3/4th or more Pakistanis genuinely believe that their country can only survive if IK is released. His mandate should be returned or fresh elections are held. The General and his toadies are like jilted lovers who will not let go even though they stand totally rejected. Allah is watching.
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