The DG ISPR has spoken on a number of vital issues. It is difficult to ignore some of the points he has made.
As expected the military spokesman has described stories doing the rounds of social media about a deal with Nawaz Sharif as ‘baseless speculation.’ He has reiterated the correct constitutional position vis-a-vis the military’s relations with the civilian government, that the armed forces are subservient to the government and work according to its directives. Few in Pakistan would agree that this is exactly how things happen in real life.
The military spokesman also urged the media to keep the establishment out of politics. As long as the establishment continues to take policy decisions on a whole lot of issues related to foreign policy and internal security it will continue to come under discussion. It is difficult to ignore the elephant in the room.
Talking about the need for completing the border fencing with Afghanistan, ISPR chief observed that martyrs’ blood had gone into Pak-Afghan border fencing and therefore it would continue as planned. There is however an alternate view also.
It was difficult to resolve the centuries-old dispute over the Durand Line between Pakistan and Afghanistan when a hostile government ruled from Kabul and which had provided sanctuaries to terrorist networks on its soil on India’s behest. Pakistan enjoys friendly relations with the present Afghan government and has worked hard to help it get international recognition and humanitarian aid. This is an ideal time to get the age old dispute resolved diplomatically. There are strong feelings on the Afghan side that the Durand Line had been imposed on Afghanistan by India’s British rulers by force. The two countries should discuss various options to evolve a solution ensuring free movement between the divided tribes on the one hand and security from terrorists and narco-traders on the other hand. What is needed is to work out a solution to the satisfaction of both sides through negotiations and give and take. Any attempt to impose a unilateral decision by force would alienate the Afghans and provide elements that are unhappy over the Pak-Afghan friendship a chance to create misunderstandings. What is more, Pakistan’s expenses to guard the Western border would also skyrocket. What Pakistan should aim at are close relations allowing Pakistan to relocate troops from Afghan border to Eastern border whenever needed, as used to be in the past.
