Open Letter to General Raheel Sharif By Abdul Salam Dadabhoy

General Sahib, Greetings to you Sir!

Pakistan Army and Air Force, by grace of the Almighty, have achieved military successes, which could not have been imagined, by any armed force in decades, in this difficult terrain, between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Indeed the entire nation is indebted to you, for your strategic plans, motivational and inspectional visits and for the sacrifices of our soldiers and officers, who have made such success possible. Zarb e Azb and affiliated operations have proved many factors, some of which are : 1) Where there is a will there is always a way; 2) Valor, sacrifice and hard work definitely have dividends; 3) When intentions are clean objectives become clear; 4) Inter Services Intelligence and Special Services Group have become internationally recognized formidable forces; 5) Practice leaves imprints on hearts and minds while preaching does not; 6) When the top notch is serious and sincere the trickle down effects are felt right to the very bottom and 7) Tasks which seem uphill may turn out to be painstakingly difficult but not impossible.

As a Pakistani and a Karachite, from the bottom of my heart, let me thank you, the Commander 5 Corps, ISI and the Pakistan Rangers Sindh, for bringing terrorism and related activities and incidents to such a minimal low, that subjects of this country, especially those living in Karachi, are able to take a sigh of relief. It is laughable, that while we the people vote for politicians, we expect relief and justice from the army. Jubilation and fervor observed in Karachi and other parts of the country, on 14 August was such, as if Pakistan had secured independence, for the very first time, on that particular day. Significant reduction in crimes, extortion, target killings etc and positive public sentiments prove that operations are admired and appreciated and heading in the right direction. Anyone who disputes or refutes it is either confused or trying to confuse. While these intelligence based operations and surgical strikes all around Pakistan have highlighted military successes, they have also exposed the roles and weaknesses of the civilian side and the parliamentary demo-crazy, we the people of this country continue to bear. The biggest weakness which has been observed is, that despite the state being in a state of war, demonstrating total ignorance of and remaining oblivious to the fact, that every privilege being enjoyed is because of Pakistan, majority of the politicians have not been able to act and look beyond mudslinging and selfish interests. Lack of sense and shame is evident prima facie. It may be basic human psyche to treat a blessing for granted as a birth right. But when one looks at the Palestinians, or the Sikhs, or at many others, who have linguistic, cultural and / or religious identities, but do not have a motherland, one feels blessed at what we have. While the war continues, Parliamentarians and Ministers are leisurely discussing and alleging the role of spy masters behind the Pakistan Tehreek Insaf sit in.

Although one Federal Minister has been asked to explain his most recent comments while visiting Maldives and then resigned, what about the others who have made similar comments, as there are many who keep ranting about such conspiracy theories, some in public and others during close door sessions. Ironical is the fact, that despite open opposition by our neighbors, of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor and continuous violations at the Line Of Control, the Government is not willing to condemn it openly, leave aside making hectic efforts to involve international forums and the international community, to avoid escalation of the conflict between two nuclear armed neighbors. As a matter of fact, some idiots are still adamant about their self styled interpretations about the Two Nations Theory and continue with their lectures on Aman Ke Asha. This is all the more reason why Zarb e Azb must be followed by Zarb e Ghazab.

Sir, you are not only a brilliant leader but also a compassionate one, fully aware of the pulse of the people. Imran Khan is the only politician, who in a recently given TV interview, has had the courage and honesty, to admit that you are in fact, the most popular and liked personality in Pakistan. One is sanguine, that you fully understand the present Constitution, its deficiencies and those of its upholders and beneficiaries, who have not offered and have no intentions to offer anything to the common man in the future. Electoral reforms, accountability, repatriation of looted wealth, parliamentary checks and balances, Kala Bagh Dam and other vital issues of national importance are requested to be taken up, with the same vigor and thrust as Zarb e Azb, as they simply cannot be left to the will and wish of the politicians.

Sir, it is the heartfelt desire of every citizen, including myself, that God willing, you are elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, with an extension in tenure, for 3 years, from the date your retirement is due. God forbid, if that does not turn out to be a reality, one hopes and prays, that your selection of the new Army Chief, should be of such a General, who turns out to be much more aggressive, than your good self. May the Lord help Pakistan to rise and shine, Amen!

Abdul Salam Dadabhoy.
21 August 2015.

by webmaster@insaf.pk (tkiadmin)