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The apparently ambivalent issue of the extension in service of the COAS, Gen Kayani for three years has been raising both acceptance and suspicion amidst analysts and journalists that creates great confusion for the public. What had initially been received as a welcome move is now being deemed irrational and unmerited which indicates our inconsistency towards a cause.
The last couple of years have seen many positive changes within the army ideology, its war doctrine and its renewed resolve. Initially, the army chief's desire to keep himself and the army detached from politics too, had been received with utter suspicion which later on was met with approval. In addition, through a rare initiative, the COAS focused upon bridging the gaps and removing the trust deficit between the military and civilian leadership by taking them onboard on all stages of the military operations regularly, therefore showing absolute transparency.
Furthermore, Gen Kayani's national vision was presented unambiguously by him in Brussels in which he explicitly stressed Pakistan's standpoint over the Afghan issue focusing primarily on Pakistan's need for a strategic depth in its neighboring country leading as a result for the need of a more stable and peaceful South Asia, thus steering the attention of the world community on the authentic Pakistani concern in the region. This helped in high lighting Pakistan's contribution in eradicating terrorism that was emphatically applauded as the international community was urged to realise Pakistan's significance.
Ayesha Sheikh, Islamabad |