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After Osama: Breaking silence, Army asks US to reduce troops
Military admits to ‘shortcomings’ in search for Osama, but warns against a repeat of US operation.
In this handout picture provided by Pakistani military Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on May 5, 2011 shows Pakistani army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani (C) attending a Corps Commanders Conference in Rawalpindi on May 5, 2011. PHOTO: AFP
RAWALPINDI:
Finally breaking its silence on the US unilateral operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the Pakistan Army demanded on Thursday that the United States cut its troop presence in the country to a “minimum”.
In a strong-worded statement, the military said that Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had told a corps commanders’ conference “about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum level”, without saying who had made the decision.
The military further warned of “dire consequences” if the country’s sovereignty is violated again.
Kayani’s strong message came through a statement by the military’s public relations wing and in a closed door meeting with a select group of journalists. “Any similar action violating the sovereignty will warrant a review of military, intelligence cooperation with the US”, the statement said.
After being criticised globally for failing to track down Bin Laden in the garrison town of Abbottabad, the army admitted to its “shortcomings” in finding the al Qaeda chief, who had been hiding in a compound close to the Pakistan Military Academy for the past many years. The military has now ordered an investigation into the “lapse.”
Facing tough questions both at home and abroad, the top military commanders with the army chief in the chair met at the General Headquarters at Rawalpindi to discuss a one-point agenda related to the incident in which Bin Laden was killed by the US forces.
“While admitting shortcomings in developing intelligence on the presence of Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan, it was highlighted that the achievements of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) against al Qaeda and its terrorist affiliates in Pakistan have no parallel,” said an Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) statement after the meeting.
It said the meeting was informed that around 100 top level al Qaeda leaders and operators were killed or arrested by the ISI, with or without the CIA’s support.
However, in the case of Bin Laden, while the CIA developed intelligence based on initial information provided by the ISI, it did not share further development of intelligence on the case in return, contrary to the existing practice between the two services, it added.
“Nonetheless, an investigation has been ordered into the circumstances that led to this situation,” the statement maintained.
It quoted General Kayani as saying that a repeat of such an action will warrant a review of military and intelligence cooperation with the United States.
Responding to the apprehensions of the country’s defence capability, the corps commanders insisted that Pakistan’s nuclear assets were in safe hands. “Unlike an undefended civilian compound, our strategic assets are well protected and an elaborate defensive mechanism is in place,” the statement noted.
“Taking serious note of the assertions made by Indian military leadership about conducting similar operations, make it very clear that any misadventure of this kind will be responded to very strongly. There should be no doubt about it.”
FO briefing
Meanwhile, speaking along the same lines, Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir said that any future “misadventure” by any country would result in a “terrible catastrophe.”
At the first news conference by a senior government official since Bin Laden was killed, Bashir said: “It’s easy to say that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) or elements within the government were in cahoots with the al Qaeda,”
Further defending the ISI, the foreign secretary said: “This is a false hypothesis. This is a false charge. It cannot be validated on any account and it flies in the face of what Pakistanis and in particular the Inter-Services Intelligence has been able to accomplish.”
Bashir did not directly respond to comments from the White House that US President Barack Obama reserved the right to take action again in Pakistan, but said there were “a number of questions” about how the covert raid took place.
“This matter of sovereignty and violation of sovereignty, and the modalities for combating terrorism raises certain legal and moral issues which fall properly in the domain of the United Nations,” he said, stopping short of declaring it as illegal.
“Any other country that would ever act on the assumption that it has the might and mimic unilateralism of any sorts will find … that it has made a basic miscalculation,” he said.
Mullen’s statement
Responding to the army’s statement, US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen has stressed that it was up to Pakistan if they wanted US troops to leave its territory.
“A small number of US military trainers in Pakistan are there at the invitation of the Pakistani government, and therefore subject to that government’s prerogatives,” said an email by Admiral Mullen’s spokesperson sent to AFP.
Mullen had not been notified of any decision by Pakistan on the presence of the US contingent of trainers, his spokesman said.
“He has seen press reporting that those prerogatives might be changing, but until such time as he has been officially informed of such by Gen. Kayani, the chairman will withhold comment,” the statement said.
WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM AFP
Published in The Express Tribune, May 6th, 2011.
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US military operation: Military moves to dispel doubts
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Right, so no apology, no sense of responsibilty, no reprecussions.
Great work! Most discipnlined institution cannot even hold themselves accountable.
Cant believe that these people will one day retire (if no more extensions are awarded to themselves) with plots, pensions, agri land! And then they have the audacity to claim that they know best!Recommend
hadn’t we already broken the backbone of terrorism, just a month back?Recommend
? is who will bell the cat?Recommend
” Investigation had been ordered” to inquire Why OBL was living too close to kakul ?????Recommend
Its like a raped women said, next time if you do this I will review my actionsRecommend
Who gave you the right to call meetings & review. When were you elected? What gives you the right to talk about foreign policy? Go back and do your job which you have shown you are completely incompetent at getting done.Recommend
What’s the point? They have shamed us in the international comity of nations. Now they may say stuff like this but who cares really? They’ve been making such threats and demands for the past decade now, but in totality it truly is a case of the pot calling the kettle black. And besides, we’ve just proved (thanks to our military) we’re not even America’s servants. Servants have the balls to retaliateRecommend
Kayani Sahib enough is enough. The military consumes 22% of the annual budget and wants more. The country’s spending on health, education and housing are minuscule. The Abbottabbad event is very shameful. You have been the head of ISI and if you don’t know what happened then there is a lot more to be said. Get the military out of alliances with the Taliban and stop it from its involvement in Pakistan’s domestic politics. The job of the military is to keep Pakistan’s borders as well as its air space inviolable and it has failed.Recommend
We are all ashamed …. or are we shameless?
Why did it take the whole world to wake them up…. 1 Km from PMA… how safe is any Pakistani in Pakistan?
Pakistan is for the poor Pakistanis.. please return it to them.Recommend
com on kayani save our country. its Action tymRecommend
I hate to say this but its ShwanG wang wang.. I need to see them resign ASAP for the sake of Moral integrity. How can they not know ? I am not buying this and I can criticizes them cos they are my people. Other’s specially foreign blogger no business of yours. period.Recommend
Pakistani Govt. and Armed forces has to review the polices that are under go with US military. US has no right to violate the boarder of any Country.Terrorism is not only the issue of Pakistan alone. US has to change his behave with his allay otherwise in future US will find him self alone.Recommend
US: Help us fight terrorists. Please.
Pakistan: It is the economy stupid ! We accept Dollars, Euros, Pounds & Dhirams :)
US: Will “Most Favoured Nation” status do ?
Pakistan: We want arms to fight NATO & India ! We hate Jews !
US: Ok here take “Major Non NATO Ally” status
Pakistan : Death to America !
US: Ok ok take billions dollars as aid (15 billion USD since 2001) !
Europe: We’ll give Schengen visas, immunity from courts and provide free lawyers.
Pakistan: Yes, and don’t forget our pocket-money in Dubai & Switzerland plus villas in France & Spain.
US: Your military and ISI are friends with Al-Qaida & LeT
Pakistan : Hey you forgot our all-weather allies like China, N.Korea & Saudi-Arabia
India: Nightmare !!! Someone pinch me PLEASE !!!!!
China: War by proxy. It just gets better & easier ! (LOL all the way to the bank)
Pakistan: Bunch of LOOSERS !!! I’m scared ! Woooo !
World: You harbour terrorists !
Pakistan: Read my lips … “No more cooperation”Recommend
Pathetic!
You are supposed to defend the country, not cover up your failings by using the India boogeyman excuse.
Tell the truth. Either you were involved in the operation in which case explain under whose authority you lot allowed a foreign power to operate in Pakistani territory, and if you didnt know, why did our defences fail to prevent the excursion!
If any of them had an iota of self respect they would resign. But the self proclaimed indispensible will probably get intelligence agencies and their gowns to threaten people to shut them up. Pathetic.
They should have got there American, Canadian and British educated kids to come up with a better statement.Recommend
Real Dilemma of PakistanRecommend
Kayani and his corps commanders have simply lost the plot. After getting caught red handed with Osama bin Laden and left red faced, now they are offering excuses which just don’t wash at all. I am really stunned that there are still many takers for the army’s version in Pakistan. Kayani and Shuja Pasha knew where Osama was and its absolutely mind boggling that these guys are telling lies with such a straight face. This is duplicity of the worst possible type. The manner in which the army conducts its meetings clearly reveal that Zardari and Gilani are lame-duck politicians. People of Pakistan need to snatch their country form the jaws of their army and rebuild a secular-democratic Pakistan.Recommend
Come On Kayani its action time. You have yo do for us, for the countryRecommend
he can just talk the talk just like puppets in assembly and nothing else…..so Keep Calm and Carry OnRecommend
Thats a good picture of the rulers of Pakistan. Corps commanders headed by the supreme commander.Recommend
Munni (ISI) badnam hoohi Darling (US) therrea liya.Recommend
I am actually afraid of a coup in Pakistan by junior level military officers.
What do others think?Recommend
“Shortcoming” with due respect is an understatement
And what about massive failure to detect the intrusion of helicopters for close to 60 minutes?.Where was the Air Force, the missiles etc
The nation is sad and has been shamed.
Can we please be responsible members of the world civil society and spend money to improve quality of life of the people.PleaseRecommend
@ Balma –
Your dream will never come true.
@ Others -
There will always be mistakes and failures in future as well. ISI is not GOD that it must be in knowledge of every happening in every household in Pakistan. , it is just an Int Agency using human and electronic int resources.
It is only inferiority complex which is bubbling up in the form of negative comments..
Did someone in USA said CIA is either incompetent or CIA orchestrated 9/11 terrorist attacks ? How was the reaction of US media and people? No one did blame game like we do
Did someone in India said RAW is either incompetent or RAW orchestrated December 2001 terrorist attacks on Indian Parliament? Remember, how Indian media in unison barked like hounds against Pakistan ?
Why are we so pathetic that we always start blame game and begin pointing fingers at our institutions and organizations if something goes wrong somewhere ? Members of organisation work at the cost of family life, youth and even life. Some of them lay their lives for Pakistan and many of them are unsung heroes. It is so easy to criticize someone while sitting on comfortable sofas in front of TV in the chill of AC.
Today we all are need to to stand behind ISI and Pakistan Armed Forces and support them instead of pulling their legs. Media in particular is trying to destabilize our Country for a few minutes cheap popularity.Recommend
This is totally a shameful act for Pakistan.
US want to do any thing they do , they did , they will do same again again in future… due our corrupted so cold Political Leadership…
Our Army is our Proud……
But in-spite of more then 80% budget .. why we are facing Drone attacks , US Operation in Pakistan any where,,, where they want to do………………..
Why Why Why????
Where is our strength……………………………… Who will tell…to a Simple Common Pakistani…………..Recommend
@Balma:
We will fight anyone who tries to take away our rights.Recommend
Admitted ‘Shotcomings’. Okay, what is the punishment? Has anyone resigned or fired? Normally in any civilized country such a grave negligence follows with self-punishment without any civil or military action (if we are civilized and responsible).
What about changing the failed policy and going after fanatics who endorse murders and terrorists publicly. To combat terrorism that will be a good change and will help, isn’t it!Recommend
@ Khalid Masood
If after the debacle of Dhaka in 1971 the people of Pakistan had held the feet of its military leadership to fire the country would be a different place altogether. Within six years of the shameful surrender by Niazi another military coup was carried out by Zia to topple a civilian government. And, since then it has only been downhill. You should not be talking about how the Americans or the Indians criticized their security agencies after 9/11 and the attack on Parliament House in New Delhi – not to mention the Mumbaa attacks that were perperated by a bunch of wicked rascals hiding in Pakistan. If the Pakistani military is not held to account for its humungous failure it will continue to suck on the blood of 180 million people and use up the entire resource base thus denying any education, health, housing and other civic amentities to the people.Recommend
After a meeting of ‘crore’ commanders under Gen. Kiani, they admitted ‘intelligence-shortcomings’ and sought reduction of US presence in Pakistan. This is like assuring the terrorists that their stay in Pakistan will not be disrupted by US special ops again.Recommend
@Noor Nabi:
Dude, it’s much much more than just 22% of Pakistan’s budget. Read Ayesha Siddiqa’s book “Military Inc: Inside Pakistan’s Military Economy”Recommend
@The Waqas KZ:
There is nothing militarily possible to do anything against Drone Attacks. Army and PAF do not have such weapons and systems. I assure you about this. Shooting down of Indian Drone by F-16 was only a TUKKA. It may not happen again.
You want to declare war against USA ? Think again.
Do you think we can win a war against US with the Armed Force we prepared to guard against Indian aggression ?
If you can pay the price and bear the consequences then plz go ahead and ask your political parties to make it number 1 slogan for next election. If nations wants that way —— lets do that.
However, Allah stops us from doing suicidal acts.Recommend
Guys guys, the story becomes very clear if you just carefully try to understand the hidden meanings of very recent meetings between CIA chief and Pakistani military and ISI heads. Just try to put all events in a chronological order and try to interpret the outcomes. All these are just words by the men in suits and uniforms. I highly doubt the status quo has changed at all and it will remain so in the future. The US has supported Pakistan’s military establishment since Pakistan’s inception and that hasn’t changed throughout cold war and this war on terror. I repeat nothing has changed and nothing will change… these are just empty words for the public as they serve both parties (US and Pakistan’s military establishment) in multiple ways. The one thing that has changed is that now more Pakistanis and people around the world know for sure that the military establishment does not care one bit for the people of Pakistan. Their own economic interests are much more important to them.Recommend
@Balma:
Would be a good move. Time for all these “wise’ ol grandpas to leave and let us real Pakistanis take over.Recommend
Almost comments emotional,
Did any body think about the ground reality?
Well this SO CALLED operation was just a TOPI DRAMA
Most probably PK forces shot that helicopter, I dont think so 79 commandos did an operation in just 40 minutes and no body knew that.
America is lieing, and pakistan dont want to be FACE TO FACE with America, as its a stupidity 4 a country like pakistan.
Its also not easy to digest that that in 1 km premises of Kakool Academy there was some high profile person, and agencies dont know.
And its also hard to believe that USAMA was there.
No body remember, in around 2006 BBC broke the news that USAMA died on MALERIA.
what was that?Recommend
Its just CONFLICT of ISI and CIA
and AMERICA made this DRAMA just to pressurise pakistan, America has some open secret type agenda, PK ATOMIC WEAPONS
As America directed the 9/11 story, same is 5/2 operation
To embarrass pakistan in front of all the world.
Just think Obama released his statement and thanked for pakistani cooperation and said it almost a joint venture, remember the 1st statement
PK gave response after 8 hours of that operation and refused to have knowledge of that.
THAT MEANS OBAMA TOLD A LIE, and next day WHITE HOUSE Representator said, WE DIDNT INFORMED PAKISTAN, AS USAMA MAY B INFORMED ABT OPERATION.
White house itself negating the statement of its PRESIDENT.Recommend
They would like to see US presence reduced. Terrorists are still welcome?Recommend
@Khalid Masood:
Its not your fault Masood, whole nation is in denial for some time and won’t change easily. For your information CIA and intelligence agencies knew about 9/11 highjackers and due to process and respect of law things delayed and terrorists succeeded. After 9/11 there was criticism and the entire system was overhauled and all agencies were integrated and the responsible positions were summoned and grilled in the congress. A separate Homeland Security office was created to integrate the system with the cost of billions of Dollars.
We must stand behind ISI and the Military, but not at the cost of nation’s security and carry on failed policy just as Military did in 1971.
We must stop supporting Taliban, Al-Qaida and fanatic and banned parties and their followers. Military must save the country by abolishing prior policy and taking a new start.
God bless Pakistan and Pakistan first and any other thing second, even your religion.Recommend
dear fellows, have comprehensive eye view of statements and issue then pass any comment.
Just think, American PRESIDENT, most powerful president of the world gave a statement,
not a single finger raised on that, all was believed.no one did wait 4 PK response.
If PK refuses the statement of OBAMA, who would believe?
PK played a better card.
But yes the place chosed for this operation was totally against PK, and same AMERICA wanted,
single AGENDA, TO PRESSURISE PAKISTAN.
m 500 % sure, USAMA was not there, he has died far ago.
America displayed SADDAM, n his son’s pictures and all that, why not same for USAMA?
Bcz theres no USAMA,
all the operation was a TOPI DRAMARecommend
The commentators here will do well to understand that like India, majority in Pakistan are poor or lower middle class. This is a class which is more concerned with food and daily existence than foreign policy. They’re dumb enough to believe any spin they’re subjected to. What’s more, they invent new conspiracy theories to spice up their life. It is this audience that Kayani and co. are looking at. Not the upper middle class/ upper class which are few in number and more concerned with partying than politics. For the audience who Kayani and co. address, his excuses are palatable, believable and he doesn’t need to resign to make a point cos the majority of his countrymen don’t know the dynamics of good governance, responsibility etc. Take the left liberal Indian newspaper “The Hindu” for example – it has an article on how conspiracy theorists will have a field day in Pakistan because of this incident. The comments section show my conspiracy theory loving countrymen at their best:
http://www.thehindu.com/news/article1991559.ece
As long as people are ill educated, do not know their political rights, haven’t seen or met a firang nor understood their system, Kayani and his likes will always get away with spin.Recommend
It’s a shame, Not because the American got the terrorist but because some of these generals were sheltering the most wanted man in their own backyard. The Armed forces have proved to the nation that they are incapable of defending their citizens and property. What are the people suppose to think , You are either incapable or you were part of the plot. This would not have happened had these guy been dedicated to their professional instead of playing politics.Recommend
This is a actually a very meaningful statement by the high command. Putting aside all the blame game-noise about “failure, incompetency” etc etc, Americans have had put the military brass in a very tight corner, and ratcheted up the pressure on ISI for its own interests. Hawks in India/Afghanistan also tried to capitalize on this event, but saner voices in both Indian and Afghanistan establishment have prevailed in cooling down the rhetoric from their sides. Many questions will remain unanswered for long periods of time about the precise details of this event, but tactfully admitting intelligence “shortcomings” (so to speak); it provides a reasonable way out for the establishment, and yet they made it clear that this unilateral action by Americans was one-time exception (vis a vis some sort of post-war Afghanistan arrangement) and will not be tolerated in future. Secondly, the threat to review military/intelligence cooperation is a very serious one (if read between the lines – there is a very clear message for those high-ups who knows what has really happened).Recommend
So the statement has proved that Pakistan Army only sees India as an enemy. It is sad to hear, COAS statement that we will defend our country against Indian aggression BUT when it comes to the rest of the world our Army will never be mobilized. Sad statement and a delayed statement.Recommend
Let me clarify. What I had in mind was the fear that disgruntled junior level officers staging a coup against their sernior jernaill types for selling out to Umreekaa!
That is what I meant!Recommend
Boys, all these flexing of non-existent muscles against India don’t impress us any more so please give us a break! Personally, I fee that It is high time that we Pakistanis take these fat uncles to task now they themselves are accepting responsibility for their failures albeit a little unashamedly.
P.S: You know things are bad for the Khakis when even one of their most ardent supporters, Ms. Shireen Mazari is asking for ISI, Air force & Army Chiefs’ resignations. I second her.Recommend
In a democracy, the national security policy should be made by the elected representatives of the people with advice from the the security services, not just by unelected career soldiers.
In Pakistan, corp commanders are making all key decisions such as stated in the ISPR press release:
“COAS made it very clear that any similar action, violating the sovereignty of Pakistan, will warrant a review on the level of military / intelligence cooperation with the United States.
The Corps Commanders were informed about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum essential.”
I think it’s high time that decisions around Pak-US relations are made by the representatives of the people of Pakistan and not our army.
It is not acceptable that there is no mention of a thorough investigation and levelling with the people of Pakistan. When there is such a serious lapse as Bin laden being found on our doorstep, we can not have any ivory towers amongst any government institution.Recommend
Its impossible that such operation was not in their knowledge. There is a limit of fooling the nation but our Army and Politicians crossed all limits for dollars. There is double game on both US and Pakistan ends.Recommend
@AnisAqeel:
You did not get/miss my point.
Systematic review or analysis of such like events is necessary and I am sure that will be done in Pak as well.
I was referring to un-necessary ranting and chest drumming by electronic media, people and press alike basing on half baked theories.
Sensible nations do everything but that is done methodically.
Did you see how gracefully Japanese responded to recent Tsunami.
I suggested my countrymen to behave like that instead of making a fish market and achieving nothing in the process.Recommend
Kiyani …. Air Chief …. President of Pakistan, Mr Zardari ….. And PM Mr Gilani … You are left with no right to stay on your seats …..
You must resign from your posts …. You are not justified to sit n rule …Recommend
@sara
Osama’s 9 kids and 3 wives are in the custody of our agenciesRecommend
General Ashfaq Kayani should have announced no future support of ISI for US-FIA, so all Americans could see them in ongoing war against terror, and how brave and daring US army is!Recommend
only the overfed, bakery running, corn flakes producing generals have the nerve to call a colossal failure, shortcomings. Give me a break. This is not 1971. Pakistani no longer buy your lies. Stop insulting our intelligence and get your act together. Stop issuing vacuous threats to the Americans. When Mullen called Kayani to inform that the Americans had basically captured and killed OBL, did he warn Mullen to not repeat or else. Of course, not! These bharraks are for domestic elite consumption.Recommend
bring them missiles and tanks to use it s the matter of our dignityRecommend
Many of the ills with Pakistan end when the military cease to regard India as the core enemy. The today’s core commanders conference is just another move to mislead the nation. Our military is more tactical in politics than the unpopular politicians.
It is now time we must ask it the questions we have not dared to ask for decades.
1) How is it possible that the world most wanted hunt was staying below the nose of the military?
2) Why the war against terorrism is dealt as a commodity at the expense of many innocent lives, both civilian and military?
Any many other questions as why the military grows day by day while rest of the institutions decline in the same speed?
Why the defense budget in Pakistan surpasses every other head in Pakistan?
And why lies are told every week and month that the military has crushed the backbone of the extremism while we see the hydra growing fast?Recommend
@Faraz:
Dear Faraz, I was going to write and give my two cents. But reading your post delighted me. I cannot add anything more. In my country the army generals are fired even for making a political statement, let alone policy or foreign policy. They are there to open the doors for elected president when his uses his limo or US1, US2.
In America nobody knows the names of army chief or SC judges. They are all appointed by the president and approved by senate after interrogation and complete satisfaction. They have no impact on a common American’s life.
Thanks and regards,
Mirza, USARecommend
I think the best approach and most sensible thing would be to ISI chief Gen Pasha to resign. That can help with the damage control.Recommend
I even suspect Indian hand in the raid.Recommend
Guys… only I can see is that Might is Right. What US has said is considered to be TRUE rest everything is false. Even if Pakistan is doing everything what US wants, still there will be a banner of “Do more”. It is hard time for Pakistan for that Pakistanis should be united. There is a systematic media war all over the world to malign Pak Forces because everyone knows that this is the only Institution in Pakistan that can keep the country integrated. Unfortunately Polititical Govt neither has guts nor will to do anything good for the country. Imagin, if Pak would have a weak Army, it would have been like Palistine or Iraq far before by the hands of India. Army has done some mistakes in the Past but it is never too late to learn from the past. Those who are taking about military rule, can see the situation of Political Govt whenever it came to power. If you need a democratic Pakistan, you need to wipe off the whole political brass to get a true democracy, otherwise Military is a blessing.Recommend
Gen. Kayani and Lt Gen Pasha should resign immediately. ISI should be placed under Ministry of Interior and more deserving Generals who respect people of Pakistan and democratic institutions should be appointed without any delay.Recommend
Army corps commanders were called to army headquarters in Rawalpindi by Kayani to be “informed about the decision to reduce the strength of US military personnel in Pakistan to the minimum level”.
You mean less than the 275 that are present here? Because that would make ALL THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD.Recommend
Pakistan is a country where even OBL is not safe :-)QRecommend
@Noor Nabi: Well said. This is the best answer to Mr.Kahid. Had ZAB trialled the army generals in 70′s, Pakistan would have been a different country. Alas, he didn’t do it and now we are suffering the worst consequences of it. Just BTW, ZAB also paid the price for his non-sense decision.Recommend
@Khan: Well said dear. I wish our people understand it fully. Pakistan Army is the sole owner of Pakistan while the rest of civilians are just a crap in their eyes.Recommend
@Singh:
Nobody need not bell the cat, because the whole society is a tower bell.Recommend
@Balma:
Military take oveer by Junior Officers is’ impossible’ in Pakistan.Recommend
@faraz:
Sara must be the follower of Dr. Khalid Soomro who was talking on a TV show about ‘Conspiracy Theory’. This mindset will not accept the fact that OBL’s wives were found and are in the custody of ISI. NO one has asked them for ‘Marriage Certificate’, and most probably they don’t have it, so they must be part of Sara’s ‘Topi Drama’ script.Recommend
Army must be held accountable for this and many other drone attacks launched by US military inside Pakistan.
@Sara. Right or wrong, conspiracy or reality, its a fact that American Helicopters travelled this far inside PAK and our defence was sleeping. A totally unacceptable failure.
@Khalid Masood .. If you read all your comments from top to bottom, you would know how you have gradually changed your stance. I have no doubt that you belong to Army.
I do respect Army but only those fighters who are made to fight for this ruling elite. These generals are good for nothing.Recommend
The Army, Air & Intel Chiefs should atleast resign.
In Japan they are expected to commit suicide!Recommend
If you did it again,then we will ask for more money aka military aid”. does he believes that the people will buy this lolly pop again,after having so much unexpected & unbelievable.!!!Recommend
In short Mr. Kiyani was joking…if he is serious then be ready for another marshal law… Bcoz zardari can’t orders Amro and to move out…Recommend
Please start thinking now in pakistan’s interest which made u genenrals otherwise u were not even fit for the post of peon, its not too late situation can be handeled safely only requirement is honesty and to be faithful with pakistan not USA,Recommend
This is a partially correct approach. We must announce the closing date of the war on terror and close the port of Karachi to NATO. Needless to say some radar stations will be needed in the north as well. BUT as long as the population does not support the police & army, even radars will not help. From personal experience, I never report incidences of automatic weapons firing at night near our house because I know that the police is likely going to empty my wallet and even then there is no assurance that they will not charge me for some unrelated crimes. So the trust is simply not there.Recommend
A soldier is brave when he has faith behind him…. not plots and vast agri land. At the same time I respect the institution, I honestly believe that the Army has to get its head out of the sand and make good of the oath they have taken to protect this country and its people at all costs. Merely issuing statements does not make things right…!Recommend
Why ask cut the troops to minimum, why not ask free our motherland? Aggressive motion
only adopted by army to proof more budget,land, care etc. Why not take aggressive action
on this scenaio?Recommend
@Truthseeker:
Not too many people of middle age have the marriage licences.. My parents who migrated from India never had one. I am married for a long time and I have no idea whether I have it or not? In any society including Islamic law if you are living like wife and husband without keeping it secret it is a marriage. It is nothing but stupidity to ask burka clad women to produce the marriage certificate.Recommend
Is it justify to consume for 22% ??????????Recommend
USA could perform this action by BLACKWATER type people who are plenty in Pakistan. Just think why STEALTH Helicopters were used and action Publicized? Just to humiliate Pakistan Army, agencies and people of Pakistan especially Mujahidins or to provoke them. The Statement of Mr. Chadambaram, and statement of American Ambassador in Delhi, is enough to move Mujahidin toward India. As per my calculation 80% Pakistanis may turn to Mujahidin against India and Indian Army can not encounter effectively such an irregular force. The fate of India in the hands of Mujahidin can be calculated keeping away Pak Army and Nuclear Arsenal and what ever so.Recommend
okay… so the world should first ask answers from the USA for the 9/11 failures of their agencies…and second and most importantly for creating osama and alqaida…US has to answer the world for killing millions for tracking their own monster…the only one benefited from this episode is CIA…and they used obama to their liking…Recommend
@Khalid Masood:
“Today we all are need to to stand behind ISI and Pakistan Armed Forces”
Ya wat else can you do
can only stand behind every one in the world like did for past 60+ yearsRecommend
khisyaani billi khamba nochay…..
instead of apologizing for such a colossal mistake, the army is being characteristically intransigent and stubborn….i say reduce their funding, the parasites are taking waayyyyy too muchRecommend
@Khalid Masood:
Well said. I felt before that I am reading some indian newspaper. These are those Pakistanis who have no idea of the military sacrifices.Recommend
As far as I think, The OBL Operation was not a unilateral operation carried out by americans, Pakistani authorities are deliberately keeping themselves out of the matter, coz if this was to be done by Pakistani authorities’ they would have face a lot of agitation inside the country, coz a majority of people inside country take OBL as a Mujahid, a Martyr. Pakistani authorities are smart actually ;) Aren’t they ??Recommend
I can only wonder what the purpose of this expensive army is if they do not know that a person like Osama was hiding in its own country and that too under its own nose. I’m not ready to believe that it was just an act of negligence of the part of the ISI or army; it’s a case of pure collusion. How is it possible that an ISI that considers itself ‘highly capable’ and can’t even think of comparing itself even with the American CIA didn’t have the faintest idea about Osama’s hideout. In fact, the regrettable incident gives credence to the long-standing belief that there are still some elements within the army and ISI that fully support the extremists and religious fanatics. The incident is not the attack on Pakistan’s ‘sovereignty’; it’s a slap in the face of Pakistani’s government, army and ISI and cause for sheer embarrassment for Pakistanis, both in Pakistan and anywhere in the world. Our army and ISI will have to pull up their socks and eliminate the county’s enemies from their ranks and improve their performance.Recommend
I still don’t buy it. Too many things don’t add upRecommend
The decision needs to be made black n white.
Is Al Qaeeda n Jihadis the enemy of Pakistan&Islam or Is US the Enemy of Pakistan&Islam?
the Army of Islamic Republic of Pakistan (having an Oath to defend Pakistan, the “Fort of Islam n defenders of “The Islamic Bomb” ), must base her decision n take direction upon the answer to this fundamental question !!Recommend
COAS warns the world against a repear performance.
This must have come as a much neede reassurance to LeT,JeM,LeJ,SSP,Mullah Omar, Haqqani cadres and sympatisers. They will also sleep easy as there is no mention of any action against them.
On the other hand US has already indicated that they will carry out similar missions againstthreats to US if need be.
The question is, Will the military brass put Pakistan in harm’s way for a bunch of terrorists?Recommend
It is time Pakistan is ruled by elected representatives and not by Army and ISI. The elected government, if empowered, will function like any other democracies for the welfare of Pakistani citizens and will not support or provide shelter to terrorists. If this can be achieved Pakistan will be a safe place to live like many countries. There will be no need to worry about US or India. Your resources can be used for the betterment of your citizens instead of military hardwardRecommend
@Khalid Masood: your just so right bro, May Allah bless u & our misguided brothers who always pick up their smirk against our own defence organizations just to please Indian & Western foxes / jackals.Recommend
@Sara
m 500 % sure, USAMA was not there, he has died far ago.
I am torn between believing you and believing the daughter and wife of OBL.
I think I will go with the wife and daughter as they were there when it all happened. Were you there too?Recommend
Is there any proof, that US military murdered Osama, I don’t think so they have washed away everything. I think there is no Osama at first place. Second thing that media is propagading everything against Army. I think this is the proof now Army is standing behind Pakistan Public after many years of “war of terror”.
US has media power and proving the FAKE death of Osama. This is Pak army who broke down the blackhawk just close to the compound to protecting its land.Recommend
@Khalid Masood:
I agree. The chatterers have gone overboard in criticism of the army and the ISI. they should for a change reflect on the causes of what happened, and also examine the treachery of the CIA and the US government that has been the benficiary of intelligence gathered by the Pakistani intelligence agencies but when it came to nabbing Osama, they just forgot that the information should be shared with the Pakistani intellgience and operation to nab him conducted by them as the action was to take place in Pakistani territory. To justify the raid without informing Pakistan, they have thoght up the excuse that had they told their Pakistani ‘allies’ Osama would have been tipped off!
The moral of the story: Be careful in future about ‘cooperation’ with such an ally. It is now proved beyond doubt that Musharraf’s policy of aiding and abetting in the war on terror was wrong. Even now, come to think of it: Pakistan is acting as the conduit for supplies of food and fuel to NATO forces in Afghanistan, and yet it not to be trusted.
Now looking to the other side of the picture: Our top ‘democratic’ leaders are so indebted to the United States for bringing them into office that they allowed the US in advance to conduct operations in Pakistan if they suspected Osama’s presence here!
And now, after successfully completing the job on information provided initially by Pakistan,, Leon Panetta has no qualms claiming that Pakistani security forces were “eith 9/11 er complicit or inefficent!” Where was the CIA when 9/11 attacks took place in the USA? By Panetta’s logic, they were either complicit or incompetent!
Let us not get too emotional about the ‘failure’ of intelligence/ Instead, we should focus on improving the system, and let the military do its job. The latter should instittuet contingency plans on all kinds of possibile breches of security, not only from the Eastern but also the WEstern front. It should also be a little more forgiving of dissident elements within, and not close its eyes to the potential danger from its ‘friends!’Recommend
Khisyani says, if you kill osama again…Recommend
So ISI messed up——big deal. Remember, 9/11, 7/7, Indian parliament attack, Mumbai attacks, suicide attacks in 80s and 90s in Israel, Irish rebels, Basque and on and on and on—Lest you forget, these were colossal failures of CIA, MI5, RAW, Mossad and Spanish intelligence agencies, you name it and they have erred.
I for one I am with my armed forces and my intelligence agencies. For sure lets dig into what happened, learn and improve. And for heavens sake, use your grey matter to connect other dots. Dont follow the herd.Recommend
Pakistan is a country where even Osama bin Laden is not safe (Dont know why it was not approved by admin earlier)Recommend
@Sara:
agreedRecommend
@…..
The chattering would stop and the people would accept the explanation if the establishment were honest and upfront in their dealings. No reaction to the intrusion, drone strikes and release of R. Davis under suspicious circumstances. Yes they should be held accountable and answerable to the Nation. Typical Just blame it on others. Make a deal with the devil and then complaining to Angels about it.Recommend
@Zahid:
Is something funny in it ?Recommend
@ Khalid Masood …..always a pleasure to read your thoughts….to agree or not thats totally another issue….I truly would like to hear your comments on Sami Shah comments regarding this article
Quote
“Sami Shah
It’s so cute the way the army trying to act all tough now. Silly Punjabi’s, put your swollen testicles away”
Unquote.
Sami’s geographical biased?! (Punjabi’s) ……that I felt was uncalled for and somewhat below the belt.
I have always regarded him (sami) an asset because to make our nation laugh you have to be extraordinary… but he sometimes appears personal which i find not only surprising but honestly painfull…Recommend
@Asim Iqbal:
I am thankful for your complements. Like you and others, I also have the right to have an opinion. As I have been to the field at various places and in the corridors of power so, according to my reckoning, I can see deeper and understand situation.
Moreover, I am an old man as well so basis of my opinion is different from most of young people here with shallow experience and raw minds.
In my opinion – Army is trying to act or react gracefully. There will always be failures, shortcomings and even blunders and that is to be taken as normal.
We need to support our Army, ISI and even Govt at this hours of crisis instead of hurling abuses, chest drumming and unnecessary ranting.Recommend
@ Khalid Masood
With all due respect, Since when have Accountable, Honesty, professionalism, consequences and truthfulness become abusive terms. People who are in responsible position and take oath on Koran to protect their citizens and Motherland should think and act responsible and if they cannot uphold and keep their promise to God and Country They should resign from their position, only then they can gain respect. People who make a promise to God and then turn around ans dance with the Devil are not and cannot be a good citizens. The Youth of Pakistan may be short (Raw) on experience but are certainly not Raw in love and dignity for their country.Recommend
Is Gen. Pasha retiring?
Ron Moreau
May 6th, 2011
“People are outraged,” says retired Pakistani Lt. Gen. Talat Masood. “They see this as the fault of the military in which they have invested so much trust.”
Gen. Kyani should also go and military must become subservient to the government.Recommend
Lament for our Indispensable Leaders-Civil and Military.
Most of the time you are feeling important.
Most of the time your ego is blooming and brimming with self-deceiving and self-serving notion of indispensability.
Most of the time your take your self for granted.
You take it for granted that you are the best qualified.
You perpetuate and morph by hawking that you are the men of the hour, your country needs you. You are indispensable.
Especially at time like this you must feel that your going would leave a void that will and can not be filled, as you believe you are irreplaceable as the last geniuses this Nation could produce.
Hence you have the sacrosanct right to rule and lead this poor but self respecting nation to abyss of humiliation, remorse and degradation that you have visited upon us in the last three years.
Abbotabad fiasco
to know what you are worth
Follow these simple instructions and see how it humbles your soul.
Take a bucket and fill it with water put your hand in it up to the wrist. Pull it out and the hole that’s remaining is the measure of how you’ll be missed.
The moral in this quaint example is you can be proud of yourself, but remember you are not INDISPENSABLE.
Accept your failures.
It is God’s way of telling you and us you are dispensable.
Change
or
Step down.
Make room for the second bests in Pakistan.Recommend
How easy for those americans to reprograme yoir stupid brians in just one day. . Feel shame for hating the men who lay their lives for you. .nation like ours deserves corupt generals to rule over themRecommend
@Balma:
Its nothig unusual for Pakistan Army. Thats the only thing they are capable of doing and have been doing it since 1958. Pakistan must be freed from the clutches of the Army HQ and the GHQ should simply carry out orders of the “Bloody Civilian” leadership. They must see how India is doing since 1947.
What India could do since1947 why Pakistan cant do it. After all the whole subcontinent in pre 1947 lived as different nationalities, Sindhis, Pastun, Punjabis, Bengalees, Madrasis, Gujraties so on and so forth yet there was no problem of travel to the whole subcontinent, to find work there and live with natural virtues and vices of humanity.
Pakistan and India and Bangladesh must look at histories of thousands of years of pre 1947 and NOT post- 1947. The initiative should come from Pakistan to wash its hands clean from the dirt it has acquired since August 1947.
The generation of post 1947 of pakistan, India and Bangladesh should renounce the sins committed by its parents and grand parents. The post 1947 generation of the Three countries are in no way responsible for the misfortune and tragedies that have befallen on them since 1947.
Generation of post 1947 of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh unite against all the ills, hatred and religious fanaticism and Military dictatorship in serch of friendship and love.Recommend
@Khalid Masood
There will always be failures, shortcomings and even blunders and that is to be taken as normal.
Absolutely true. But in most countries there will also be accountability and a resolve to do something about it. Do we see the same here. Have we ever seen accountability being fixed, be it 1965,1971,1999 or 2011.
Read the statement issued by the COAS and the Foreign Secretary. Do these statements say anything about the resolve of Pakistan in eliminating terrorists like LeT,LeJ,JeM,SSP, Mullah Omar, Haqqanis. No instead they promise catastrophic retribution to anyone harming these terrorists.
If you feel that the people of Pakistan have a sacred duty of supporting an Army/Intelligence establishment who will willingly put Pakistan at risk in order to save a handful of terrorists, then all I can say is your views are warped beyond belief.
You mention 9/11,7/7, Indian Parliament Attack, 26/11 as examples of the failures of other intelligence and security networks. What you gloss over is the the followup.
The conspirators and perpetrators of 9/11 have been accounted for, the last one very recently. None of the attackers of Indian Parliament escaped alive, and the conspirators have been sentenced too.
Ditto with 26/11, excepting those who are in Pakistani custody and whose ‘voice samples’ the Pakistani establishment finds difficult to collect.
Can we say the same for B.B. assassination or Sri Lanka team attack or Ahmadia killings. And do we recall the disappearance and reappearance of hardcore terrorists from maximum security prisons and the role of security agaencies in the episode.
Time to understand that the people and their interest come before all else.Recommend
USA has been threatened with another Press Conference by Pakistan’s entertainer number one Salman Bashir….Kayani will be on Harmonium and Shuja Pasha will be on Dholki..Imran Khan will write the lyrics and Bilawal Bhutto will provide back up Vocals…Gilani has requested that Press conference be held in Paris so that he could also attend. Zardari has requested that the venue should be decided in advance as he is deciding on where to spend summer vacations these summers. Pakistan is hot in summers you see..Recommend
@Khalid Masood:
There are few authors I have always kept close by and read their wisdom to understand the lackness in our character. Sufis such as Shibli& Junaid, Rumi, Saadi, Bulle Shah, Jami
and a host of others that our Educationist do not want our youth to study. In today’s world as we stand bared I find peace reading Hammarsjkold’s MARKINGS;
” We are not permitted to choose the frame of our destiny, but what we put into it is ours.
He who wills adventure will experience it according to the measure of his courage.
He who wills sacrifice will be sacrificed according to the measure of his purity of heart.”
You come from old time family that lived and die with Principles, trying to impose yourself
on self-centered youth only helps pouring salt over fresh wounds. You cannot graft an apple
to an orange but you could use them together as fruit salad.Recommend
A such a serious desaster, nation wants an honest answer, no more cover up. Truth must come out and steps must be taken to correct weaknesses and review our war on terrorism to ensure law and order and security. Nation is already enduring high prices. rampent corruption. prolong power failures.absence of civil aminities. almost daily suicide bombing. target killing open interferance in Blochistan and trible belt.It cant be worse than that. Our so called friend has shown utter disrespect and has disgraced our national honour. .This is a time to act no blame games. The nations who do not stand up to such occasions they can not stop their destruction.Recommend
@Muhammed Yousuf
Accept your failures.
It is God’s way of telling you and us you are dispensable.
Change
or
Step down.
Make room for the second bests in Pakistan.
Absolutely brilliant sir.Recommend
Their kids are still studying. Dont be so cruel to ask them to resignRecommend
It is strange and visible here that pak army is doing nothing just watching the loot , ineffeciency and plunder of the politicians which are BIGGEST black sheeps of pakistan. A person who spend 8 years in jail is not allowed to rule the country but also with help of US put pak in deep financial , and regional problem. We wonder y army is not playing its role when law it is stated that army can interfere if it sees a internal threat to nation.
Now, 2/3 majority had been obtained the corrupt people just to give more pain to people of pakistan and to fill the swiss bank.
Surprsingly, when politician themselves say 1500 billion had been looted, it in no problem for any body but to put more burden in people in future..Recommend
What a great turn out from this accident? Good work guys. You are not different than other cadres active in this country. Keep up until another Bangladesh happen.Recommend