America, Army Chief and Imran Khan

The repeated interference of the Chief of the Army Staff in country’s political and economic matters has proved that the Army is crossing its limit in a bid to ‘occupy’ Pakistan to safeguard American interests in the region. From COAS to a pygmy 2nd Lieutenant, every member of the Armed Forces considers himself ‘Mr. Know-all’ and superior to every ‘bloody civilian’. They think that all politicians right from Quaid-e- Azam to Nawaz Sharif are just fools and do not know the art of governance better than they do. So time and again, they deposed the elected governments and established their dictatorship for decades causing immeasurable harm to the economy and solidarity of the country and thus bringing infamy to it. It would not be wrong to say that Army is doing all this at the behest of America. Since the creation of Pakistan till date all governments, civil and military, have subjugated themselves to the wishes and interests of America.

Every citizen knows that Pakistan is surrounded by strong enemies who have never accepted the creation of Pakistan. India and Afghanistan are perpetually trying to weaken Pakistan in every field. The infiltration of terrorists into Pakistan from these countries has made our borders insecure and our sensitive buildings vulnerable. The Army’s own buildings remained an easy target for these terrorists. Thousands of innocent civilians were killed and scores of important buildings were razed to the ground in the past. But the Army kept its eyes fixed on the political power gain so much so that it did not know when American soldiers entered our territory and killed Osama bin Laden and went back with his corpse without its single soldier got killed or even wounded. Later General Asad Durrani unveiled the most horrible truth that the COAS of that time General Keyani and a few other army officers got their palms greased and kept their eyes shut. Keyani and other officers are enjoying a luxurious life in Australia and America. Is there any strong man who has the guts to bring these traitors back to Pakistan and try them in the courts of justice? None. Because America is behind them; and it is America that is ruling us with an iron hand.

The obvious example is that of General Hamid Gul. When he was expected to be raised to the status of COAS, Benazir, the then PM of Pakistan, invited him to breakfast and broke the news that America did not want him to be the Chief of the Army Staff. She felt grieved, but was compelled to bow before the America’s woes. This one incident is enough to describe the bitter truth that no COAS can be appointed without America’s nod. How important and sensitive the post of the COAS is for the defence and freedom of the country, everybody knows. But no government could ever dare reject America’s orders.

America’s interference in our internal and external matters is so unlimited and unbridled that it compelled Imran Khan not to take Hamid Gul as the Chairman of the Tehrik-e-Insaaf. To America Hamid Gul was persona non grata because he was a true patriot who wanted to impose Sharia in its real form in Pakistan. So in spite of the fact that a decision had already been taken in this regard in a meeting in which among many others the renowned journalist and Imran Khan’s close aide, Hassan Nisar, was also present, Imran Khan could not resist America’s intervention in his Party’s matters. He had to eat his words and never even mentioned the decision he and his party members had taken before his visit to America.

History is going to be repeated. General Bajawa, the COAS, is going to be retired in November this year. Whether he should be given an extension for one more term or not depends on the America’s will. Imran Khan cannot decide on his own initiative. He is going to America. In the present regional situation when Taliban want negotiations with America for the return of its forces from Afghanistan, and when America wants to punish Iran for its nuclear program, it would like to keep both Head of the Govt. and the Head of the Army of its own choice in power so that it could gain access to Pakistan’s airfields if any need arises in future to curb Iran and/or Afghanistan. In order to please America, Imran Khan has started taking measures that America wanted him to take many months ago. Hafiz Saeed has been arrested despite the fact that Imran’s Interior Minister had already guaranteed his safety and freedom. He has also allowed India to use Pakistan’s airspace. Thus pacifying America Imran Khan will beg for General Bajawa’s extension in service so that he could save himself from the wrath of the Opposition.

If the decision was taken in favour of Bajawa, it will be hazardous to Pakistan because of three reasons: it will help increase army’s intervention in political matters; it will create restiveness in the higher rank of the army; it will further deteriorate our relations with Iran and Afghanistan.

Let’s see if Imran Khan has mettle and spirit to check and counter America’s despicable designs.