Top military brass speaks out on North Waziristan operation, relations with US, defence spending and democracy.
In what is being seen as a possible reaction to rising criticism over the army’s role in national affairs, Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said that economic rather than military aid was essential for Pakistan and recommended to the government that US funds meant for military assistance be diverted towards economic aid.
At the same time, military commanders lamented the criticism that was being heaped on them and hinted at putting an end to it.
In an unusually detailed statement issued after a corps commanders’ meeting headed by Kayani here on Thursday, the top brass tried to respond to critics by speaking out on issues including the North Waziristan operation, relations with the US, defence spending and democracy. While the military rarely makes public statements on such matters, increasingly clamorous public criticism following the Abbottabad incident appears to have compelled military commanders to take this route to soothe public anger.
The military commanders also accused unspecified ‘quarters’ of deliberately maligning the country’s armed forces.
The statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said military commanders were given a comprehensive briefing on internal security, terrorism, role of the media, society and military-level relationship with US.
While reviewing the internal security situation, the participants voiced their concern on the blowback of the Abbottabad incident “which has resulted in the upsurge in terrorism and consequent loss of innocent lives.”
The military acknowledged that law enforcement agencies needed to be more focused and proactive and said the army will extend all possible support.
On criticism
The military, however, expressed its resentment over being subjected to criticism, especially in the public sphere.
The commanders “noted with regret that despite briefing the joint session of parliament and deferring the ultimate findings to the commission appointed by the government, some quarters, because of their perceptual biases, were trying to deliberately run down the armed forces and army in particular.”
“This is an effort to drive a wedge between the army, different organs of the state and more seriously, the people of Pakistan,” the statement added.
Gen Kayani sought public support for the military “to confront present challenges.”
“It is critical to stand united as a nation. Any effort to create divisions between important institutions of the country is not in our national interest,” Kayani added.
In a thinly veiled threat, the participants agreed to put an end to ‘this unfortunate trend.’
Relationship with the US
The military has reassessed its relations with US in view of the joint parliamentary resolution passed last month, the statement said.
“The army has drastically cut down the strength of US troops stationed in Pakistan,” it added. The statement said that the army never accepted any training assistance from US except for training on newly inducted weapons and some training assistance for the Frontier Corps.
“Even that has ceased now,” the statement said.
Gen Kayani also spoke on the US assistance utilised by the army since Islamabad joined hands with Washington to fight terrorism after 9/11.
He said under the Coalition Support Fund, only $8.6 billion, against an expected total sum of $13 billion, has been provided by the US to the government of Pakistan.
The army has received only $1.4 billion of that over the last ten years, he said, adding that the navy and the air force have also received a relatively smaller amount.
The remaining $6 billion, the army chief said, have been utilised by the government for budgetary support.
The meeting was also informed about the extent of intelligence cooperation with US and the participants “decided to share intelligence strictly on the basis of reciprocity and complete transparency.”
“It has been clearly put across to US intelligence officials that no intelligence agency can be allowed to carry out independent operation on our soil,” the statement said.
The military also strongly opposed US drone attacks saying predators strikes were not acceptable under any circumstances.
North Waziristan
Gen Kayani also ruled out the possibility of any move to launch a full-scale military operation in North Waziristan at this stage.
“The army was following a well thought out campaign plan and is under no pressure to carry out operations at a particular time. Future operations, as and when undertaken, will be with political consensus,” he said.
But in order to address America’s concerns, Kayani called on tribesmen of North Waziristan to drive out all foreigners from their soil.
“It was wrong, in principle, to allow others to use our land for fighting their battles. This must not be allowed,” he said.
According to the statement, the army leadership also “reaffirmed its resolve to continue supporting the democratic system without preference to any particular political party.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2011.
Enough words…Shoot down the drones and then we will see…otherwise its just hollow words…Recommend
Regarding the drone strikes, Kayani maintained that the army was against the strikes and there was no “ambiguity” in this regard. He informed the forum that the civilian government was working in this regard.
More lies…if you are against it then shoot them down..thats whats your job is, defend the country..now if the govt has to do it then what is your job..gen.Recommend
But Army utilizing major share of the entire budget of Pakistan- didn’t anyone tell him that?
Oh and please enough with the anti-drone and anti-US stance, we see all the lit up faces and broad smiles of our military leaders when a white-looking man lands in Pakistan Recommend
I think this game has gone beyond drones. They are physically attacking your north-western borders. Time to go in Afghanistan in force while denying it all on TV (every hour on the hour)Recommend
“He called for the military-to-military relationship between Pakistan and US needed to be reassessed in the backdrop of May 2 incident.”
The Pakistani Army is perpetually in reassessment mode. A few more dharanas and Pakistan will have another one. Maybe it should reassess why it is becoming international pariah while throwing the economy down the hole.Recommend
@Ali:
Ali you are right. But they will never shoot down anything. Kiyani is still in the office(he was given extension) because he does not pose any threat to this government and this government is nothing but a puppet regime. They were elected through bogus votes and in an election held under a dictator. You see, only the face has changed since 2008 elections. Policies are the same. Policies are those of General Musharaf. And Musharaf was nothing but a mere puppet in the hands of Americans working against the wishes and interests of his own people just to extend his illegitimate rule and to fatten his bank accounts. So under this military and civilian leadership I think that it is wise for all of us not to expect any change. The drone strikes will continue unless there is a change in the leadership.
Having said that, I think that we should only encourage a change through elections.Recommend
I guess Kayni has determined it’s time to do some image polishing — to my knowledge this is the first time the military has volunteered to give up any American money in favor of spending it on the people. When the American’s tried to dedicate money to purely civilian purposes the military has always made a stink raising the infamous “sovereignty” card.Recommend
Get yourself out of this stupid war.
Stop Drone Strikes.
Redefine terms with US.
Properly investigate and punish those involved in breaking the constitution since independence and doing unlawful activities while being in the army.
Stop abducting civilians.
Be a proper army and not real estate agents etc.
Move out of cities into cantonments.
Thank you very much!Recommend
The next day Mr. Kiyani will be called on US submarine and he will come out smiling and accepting US demands. Stop fooling Pakistanis, enough is done against Pakistan.Recommend
“The ultimate aim of this campaign, said Kayani, was to drive a wedge between the military and the civilian government.”
Oh no not at all, we know there can never be a wedge between both ”governments”- dont know since when military is considered a government, but ofcourse this is Pakistan Army. No one can ever drive a wedge between the two, because both of them are hell bent on destroying Pakistan. Keep holding each others hand till you reach the goal.Recommend
the day we get rid of them, we will be freeRecommend
It is a mercenary army that seems to have given up the righteous Kashmiri cause (even allowing India to make a fence in Kashmir), made a U-TURN with Tailiban, an army that is just after entitlements and perks, where Generals are rewarded with land (to avoid valuation issues), an army that has made the country a security state, etc. The army and their childern are intellectually corruprt – they just do not think that the rule of law applied to them.
Some of them are just double dealing spineless swines! Who can forget that General Pasha got his extention as a reward for releasing Raymond Davis? Recommend
Useless blather by the toothless army leadership. Pakistanis are looking for terrorism to be eliminated from their soil, something the army has failed to deliver.Recommend
Yes I really believe this BS, coming from GHQ!!!
Since when has Army started playing PR games too???
This organisation has never really had any regard for the People of the Nation, they claim to be defenders of !!!!
So what about all the over inflated Billing to US, I don’t see any of those funds being entered in Govt accounts, and it is substantial amounts too!!!
please don’t patronise the people of this Nation, and their trust in your establishment either as the track record is Ghastly, in terms of Achievements too!!!Recommend
Those who are not ready to pay taxes are talking about fighting USA.
First pay your taxes………Shame on all of uRecommend
‘ the army was under no pressure to carry out operations in Waziristan’ – ???????????
Drones striking Wazirstan daily – killing 5 to 25 people daily.
You are the ARMY. What are you doing?????? All OF COAS should be court marshalled and SHOT!!!!!!!!!Recommend
And before shooting the drones down, eliminate the terrorists, and if you can’t – you will show that you aren’t able to defend us whether it’s Indian attack on us. Stop using the terrorists as strategic assests and this theory of good taliban. They are all the same. We can forget all the mistakes you have done if you can just put things in order now, can get rid of these fanatics terrorists taliban and extremists. If you can’t, don’t come back to us for laping you on your back and giving you our blood to suck it even more. If you can’t, we deserve not to spend a single penny more on you. And we don’t need these small operations/dramas anymore.Recommend
Pak army is a a rip off…RIPRecommend
To all army bashers. I pity you people, ignore so many facts only to vent out your anger against army. When Army is saying we don’t want drones, they are actually expressing their wish to Political government to order them to stop Drones. as the Air chief clearly said to parliament, Give us order, we will destroy drones then.Recommend
Vienna,09-06-2011
That explains the budget up 12 percent plus 150 billion,a total 645 or so
billions for the armed forces of Pakistan. That makes sense of hurt humiliated
by the armed forces for not being taken into confidence by the U.S administration.
The U.S. insists keeping Pakistani armed forces contact only military-military
level.No one is surprised.
-Kulamarva BalakrishnaRecommend
Mr.Ali, you are talking like a 16 year old emotional kid. You know what will happen if Army Shoot down one Drone at least with out the consent of Your Government? Your Political government will dismiss the all top brass of army, and airforce, and afterwards, america will again start it’s drone campaign. That’s why Government consent is needed.Recommend
hey every body: it is very easy to say shoot them down. than what next: can any body give the road map after that “NO ONE”. How govt can allow to shoot them down once they have approved it by themself. Most of us just think one side picture. Its not just america its complete lobby. In which NATO comes G8 countries etc. For God sake think realistically and think how we can disengage from USA gradually and slowly without losing our status. Dont say the things which media inculcate into us. Recommend
@Ali: Zardari is preparing his statement please wait in queueRecommend
Pakistan is the only country in the world where formation commanders hold meetings but not to discuss any thing but political situation in the country. Besides, the meeting of corps commanders is flashed on the TV media and covered religiously by the print media.
Have any one heard Indian commanders holding conferences like our commanders do and discuss the political situation.Recommend
Jokers!Recommend
@Aamer: Army utilizes 17.8% of entire budget.which is roughly equivalent to the amount government shall spend to keep running white elephants of PIA + Railway + Pakistan Steel.
How about we start criticizing that & putting tax on Agriculture / feudral lords.
http://www.geo.tv/important_events/2011/budget2011/images/budgetatgalance.jpg
Also, a little out of context, but please have a look at how much India & US are spending
http://media.economist.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/original-size/20110611_WOC883.gifRecommend
And what about OBL hiding in Abottabad?
Does Kayani expect the US and the world to buy his “I am hurt that you don’t trust me and my army” routine?Recommend
Are we trying to fool the public again? The cooperation with the US is not decreased but increased. Now they do not want to waste their men in Pakistan. They are getting the correct info about the terrorists and the drones doing the job. No Americans want to come and live in Pakistan happily. They only do that as the last resort. Those were the reason of friction between the two countries. US wanted the full unconditional cooperation and not the two faced policy of army/ISI. After OBL’s death everything became open and both parties are happy.
Yes the protest against drone strikes sounds like a broken record. The US officials and senior senators openly say that we have an understanding with Pakistan army. They would not be in our way and cooperate with the drone strikes. However, for the naive Pakistani public they would continue to condemn the strikes. This way, both parties are doing their job. USA is killing the terrorists and Pakistan army as usual sitting and doing nothing. Recommend
again political statements from armyRecommend
I don’t think it is as simple as the general is telling us here; and the budgetary support thing does not work like that. The army first submits the CSF claims to the Pentagon; gets the PKR equivalent amount released from the GOP; and when the CSF funds (albeit never 100 percent of the claims) are released by the US, the GOP keeps the dollars. It is the GOP whose budget takes the ultimate hit due to non-realization of whole of CSF proceeds… Who knows how much this of the unrealized CSF receivables goes into the mid year jacking up of the defence budget.
Aamer is right. And also, it is convenient for the general to forget that for seven years since 9/11, it was a military strongman whose ‘civilian’ govt. used the CSF proceeds for budgetary support. Recommend
somebody please tell COAS to recommend US-Government (rather Pakistan Government) to divert funds towards economic aid!Recommend
pls stop making ISI chief as COAS of Pak army in future.
We need Field Generals to Lead our Gr8 Army and not inteligence jasoos to defend our bordersRecommend
For those of you who want to shoot down drones —- break relations with the USA —- show how macho Pakistan can be—- what do you do the next day?
The USA has made it clear that it will not allow Pakistan to grant de-facto sanctuary to terrorist – so shooting down a drone isn’t going to stop the attacks – breaking off relations isn’t going to stop the attacks – making speeches and pounding on chest isn’t going to stop the attacks. The only thing that is going to stop the attacks is if Pakistan finally takes legitimate control of all of it’s territory and no longer grants sanctuary to terrorist. Nothing short of that is going to stop the attacks.Recommend
Can someone point out to the ISPR and Gen. Kayani that the army is part of the state, and they should really not be giving direct briefings to the press on issues of any sort. By doing so they prove the point their critics make about the Pakistan Army considering itself and behaving like a supra-constitutional body, more powerful than the elected government. And the veiled threat behind the comment “despite briefing the Joint Session of the Parliament, the army was still being made the target of a smear campaign by some quarters. The ultimate aim of this campaign, said Kayani, was to drive a wedge between the military and the civilian government” – NOT appreciated by this mere citizen. There is no “smear” campaign – but we have the right to express our views on the non-performance of our armed forces. We will speak out and criticize the army if we believe it deserves the criticism – they had better learn to accept criticism, and do so without calling the patriotism of a citizen into question. Sick of this.Recommend
Seriously all the anti-drone rage is very misplaced. The drones are doing Kayani’s job – killing terrorists.
All the research shows the drones are very accurate and have far less “collateral damage” compared to actual military action.
If the drones stop, Pakistan will be run over by terrorists. Recommend
Army eats most of the govt budget. CRecommend
@Ummer Khan:
keep the rhetoric aside…the problems with the US did not start under president musharraf. these stupid allegations of him extending his ‘illegitimate’ (i remember a free and fair presidential vote) as well as fattening his bank accounts (please provide one open case of corruption) are nothing but mere political slogans. lets stop the blame game. president musharraf defended the country from the americans more than this illegitimate and money hungry civilian government is doing. COAS kayani can only shoot down a drone if ordered to by the government. remember, the army listens to the government, or does that ‘democracy’ go out the door as we please?Recommend
@Shayan Afzal Khan:
Agree completely. In the OBL raid, the army, the police, ISI, the air force were all caught with their pants down. Navy was unaffected until the Naval Air Station Mehran was attacked and aircraft worth $200million were incinerated. Bombs are blowing up all over Pakistan. Rangers are killing unarmed civilians at point blank range. CJ and the SC have not given a single verdict on all the scams and never will. People are abducted, false evidence manufactured against them and are then killed and never admit in court where they are?? Families are being destroyed and new jehadists born. And then when we criticize the golf loving officer corps, we are accused of a smear campaign. The armed forces personnel have no concept of fighting a war, because they cannot win one. But they like to blame the bloody civilians for all their problems. Just like a little kid.Recommend
Now go home. We don’t need such army who is after us. There are many examples. We do not want to repeat the incident of Bangladesh.Recommend
All hollow words…drones attacks will continue…US will come again and this time it will be for our nukes…sorry General…we are not fools…Recommend
Sensible, I like it and love it as long as it is carried on but I doubt it too. I don’t understand one thing, if drone attacks are killing terrorists, why to stop?
Diverting military aid to economy is a good thing, if practiced. Strong economy is the best defense. Thank you ‘top military brass’.Recommend
Dont believe a word our Military generals say… they are masters of disguise. Enough of their dictating us what to do and what not. Recommend
Well said mahmood , gen .Kayani has surrendered the share .Only 1,8 bl..is enough .means he knows that now the time has come operation in NW can not be avoided .the task is critical , let the drone operate in the area . Till then the reassessmen of us-pak relation through TRANSPARENT EXCHANGE OF INTELLIGENCE AND CLASSIFIED will be over . Gen. Knows that the operation can not be delayed or escaped .Recommend
Apart from taking 75% of the country’s national budget, the military has forced the Govt to pay for the pension and other retirement benefits of soldiers.
In every other country, military pays from own budget for the pension and other retirement benefits of soldiers.
Pak military is just looting the country from both ends!
Dumb military head .. when Pakistan go bankrupt, where would they go?Recommend
“The army was following a well thought out campaign plan…”
Come again?Recommend
@Shayan Afzal Khan:
Very right Shayan and also one should ask these self acclaimed generals that why are they enjoying so called vip status , what cost nations bears when these generals travels from point A to Point B just see when that kiyani travels from his safe haven to GHQ what traffic mess he creates(under which law this grade 22 officer enjoys that kind of protocols) and how many security he uses , despite he is responsible of denfending us but,,,,, and lastly ask these generals that are they more supreme and above the the law? than the Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed.Recommend
Very right and also one should ask these self acclaimed generals that why are they enjoying so called VIP status , what cost nations bears when these generals travels from point A to Point B just see when that kiyani travels from his safe haven to GHQ what traffic mess he creates(under which law this grade 22 officer enjoys that kind of protocols) and how many security he uses , despite he is responsible of defending us but,,,,, and lastly ask these generals that are they more supreme and above the the law? than the Hazrat Khalid Bin Waleed.Recommend
Good move Gen. Would have been better if the funds would have been diverted to education and would have also been utilized.
In any case, this is a good initiate after all Parhey ga Pakistan, Barhey ga PakistanRecommend
The dark eyed General tries to fool the Nation again. Recommend
It becomes apparent that one of the political party intends to jeopardize the national interest at the cost of its political expedition, unlike India an emerging global economic giant bolstered by western powers we spend extremely minimum amount on our military expenditures. The politicians who earned enormously from this country are not willing to tax from their own monetary resources, while paradoxically emphaiszed over the people to give tax for prosperity simply it negates their own principles, laws are made to give shadow to their own malefide acts. It is time to create reconcilliation and harmony in this time of sensitivity of history instead of spreading diversifications. Particularly media ought to act like catalyst to bring pragmatic equality for the projection of true image of mainstream political parties. Recommend
This is at least funny if not ironical that Kayani said, “This is an effort to drive a wedge between the army, different organs of the state and more seriously, the people of Pakistan”
I will like to ask respected Mr. Kayani- who is actually driving this wedge? last I remember, just yesterday your thugs (rangers) dragged and shot an unarmed 19-year kid of this nation and left him to die. Are you sure this and other similar murders by your jawans and officers are not causing discomfort? Recommend
americans give military aid of billions of dollars as Coallation Support fund for fighting war on terror…..
wasn’t it our war ??
by fighting american war…
35 k civilians & 5000 + soldiers died…. 60 billion public money lost… infrastructure destroyed… muslims killing muslims…. millions IDPs…. american bases established in heart of pak….. n God knows wat more….
Gains
Army top brass gets only $8.6 billion, crying for the remaing 1.4… and a few under the table $$ through kerry lugar…. and few for leasing out bases to americans…. and a few here n there.
There must be some sincere n brave soldiers in this strongest and most authoritative institution of pakistan, watching it all. Can they respond ??Recommend
Thank you Hamza Khan. Idiots make statements with out any tangible support and proof. These Mr KNOW EVERYTHING and FINGER LIFTER LOUD MOUTHS should shut their mouths and May God give them the sense to read opposing view point and then conclude. The tragedy of our society is that it has been taken over by LOUD MOUTHs. You must have noted that Pakistanis speak loudly. They are still blaming the army for 1971 while forgetting that who was at Lahore Airport welcoming the Hijackers of GANGA plane. Pakistan Government and Army has won a war in Afghanistan which was most difficult by keeping the India out. These Idiots think Afghanistan is at war but if these IDIOTS will take time to travel to Afghanistan and just watch with their own eyes may be their Eyes will open.Recommend
@hamza khan: Many people are writing and blaming rangers and quoting the inident of Sialkot. But if you would watch the video of Sialkot you will notice it was the people who were killing those boys. And they were enjoying that. It is the people and mentality of blaming the institutions and Government for every thing. The Finger lifters, and MR KNOW EVERY THING and Mr RIGHT of our society are the problem. Illiterates knowing nothing but writing absolute statements with conviction are the problem. Have any body really researched How many Children and Girls were killed in Lal Masjid Operations? But people are saying thousands. Have any body researched the real Issues of Kalabagh Dam? Who gets the Royalty from Mangla Dam? What are the water issues between the provinces? The Constitutional Issues? But all the Punjabis think that it is Sindhi and Pathan Nexus. Do people have the memories of 9/11 and Pakistan’s Situation at that time? And so on, on , and on. But when the idiots start believing and writing and journalists who are not professional, do not know the basic standards of Journalism and a nation badly suffering from false Ego and confused between National and Religious Identity then only course of their destruction is anarchy, terrorism, and blame game. Central Asia and Specially Uzbekistan is progressing at a pace of 10% annually, Political activity is banned, Tashkent is the most peaceful City. There is no blame game, People are satisfied. I can not understand why people want democracyRecommend
Socrates one said,” The greatest way to live with honor in this world is to be what we pretend to be”.Recommend
The generals have no business making political pronouncements, handling budgetary allocations or conducting the country’s foreign relations but they persist in this habit begun by General Ayub Khan. The generals are required to defend the country’s geographical borders and battle its external enemies which they so spectacularly failed to do in East Pakistan, Kashmir, Siachin and Kargil, but they persist in the habit as seen just last month in Abbottabad and Mehran Base, Karachi.
General Kayani has acknowledged that the army received only US$1.4 billion over the last four years under the Coalition Support Funds with smaller amounts going to the air force and navy. Well that’s just dandy! The US embassy in Islamabad has told the daily Christian Science Monitor that only $285 million out of the annual commitment of US$1.5 billion under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act has been spent so far on civilian projects in Pakistan.
As regards thinly veiled threat to stop criticism of the army, this is neither veiled nor just a threat as seen in the cases of bold journalists like Syed Saleem Shahzad and Umar Cheema.
Most of Pakistan’s political leaders are incompetent and corrupt without question but only the worst among them are co-opted by the generals in their governance games for providing a civilian facade and shouldering the blame. Look at General Musharraf’s choice of partners – Shaukat Aziz (whose efforts to become finance minister were rejected by Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif in the 1990s), Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and Syed Sharifuddin Pirzada. The public knows you cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
If the generals are really serious about turning a new leaf, I suggest they demonstrate their commitment by re-opening the Khyaban-e-Suhrawardy, Islamabad’s main thoroughfare, which has been blocked off and incorporated in the extended security perimeter of the Inter Services Intelligence HQ. It is a public slap in the face of civilian supremacy!Recommend
We stand by the Army and fully support them. No cut in military budget is acceptable otherwise our own existence will be impossible. Recommend
Army top brass is still in denial. This denial will be suicidal, unfortunately, the rest of us millions in Pak will also suffer because of these commandos with an IQ level of less than room temp.
I drive on Sh-E-Faisal every day to work and see how they are continuously fortifying the already fortified forts of the army forces installations, this is a futile exercise, if they need to change any thing, it is their mindset. Recommend
It is clear that there is some sort of a mutual understanding between the Haqqanis & Kayani. The Haqqanis have promised that they wont attack pakistani targets, and in return, Kayani has promised that the military wont go into their sanctuaries in North Waziristan. TTP stands to gain if pak military leaves large swathes of pak territory uncontrolled.Recommend
All wrong practices, please put the Army directly under the elected civilian government and see how the Army will progress like PIA, Pakistan Railways, Steel Mills and so many other institutions did in the last two decades. After all we are a Democratic Country.Recommend
It is time of ACTION not WORDS.. We are tired and frustated to hear and see these press releases both by GHQ and President House/PM …. ………Need a Rulers who can live with dignity … Recommend
@ali
All we do is criticize the Americans and on our own we fail as a state. Let me add one more thing, the Americans have been giving us aid for the past few years and we never manage to appreciate their gesture. Which other country has given us heavy aid? None!Recommend
@mahmood
Ever heard about Contras, guerrilla war in Laos, and the famous Mujahideens of 80s? Have you ever thought what the heck US and NATO are doing in Libya? The famous Iraqi WMD, where you put all this? Unfortunately some people just borrow a line from Western media and start ranting about things without checking the validity and integrity of information.
We have lots of internal problems which need our immediate attention, nobody denies that fact, but blaming Pakistan for every bad thing happening in the world doesn’t make sense. And about America attacking Pakistan, only a fool would buy that nonsense. Military might is not everything, and its been proven so many times in the history.
And yes, it has become absolutely imperative that our Generals show some action now rather than just issuing some hallow, meaningless and empty statements. If they want people’s support and want to restore their confidence in institutions, they must conduct transparent inquires into Abbottabad, and Mehran Base incidents. Recommend
Thanks, God…it seems it the end he/they being able to understand that how much Kgsssssssssssssssssss a person eat…the stomach only digest few grams as it can. Economy, education, Energy, Health, Food and Agriculture, Infrastructure, Employment etc are basic and more important than weapons in hands, Guns on shoulder and having nothing to eat and nothing to wear. Recommend
It is surprising that the Military feels resentment over criticism from the public at large. Where was that surprise when the nation was subjected to four Martial Laws breaking the economy and the way of government for all times to come? Where was that surprise when military actions within Pakistan, especially Balochistan, have left many Pakistanis dead or missin? Where was this surprise when members of the Armed Forces subjected civilians to the “benefits” of their excessive authority? Where was this surprise when the Americans invaded our air space and reached Abottabad to carry out their mission? Where was this surprise when their beloved men of “intelligence” tortured and killed journalists? and lastly where was this surprise when the recent events of Kharotabad and Karachi transpired? The interesting bit about this news is that the top military brass thinks that since they have given a “briefing” to the Parliament hence they have been exonerated from all previous and future blames. It would not be that off target to say that the public is surprised that the Military establishment instead of doing their jobs, as per the oaths taken by them, choose to give their point of view on every aspect of government. The people are surprised that instaed of punishing the Constitution violators they still give them the institutional respect. The masses are surprised that instead of making an example of the incompetent, corrupt and rogue officer they are given the full support of the mighty army? But in today’s Pakistan the surprise shown by the masses has no value and the sooner they realise this the better or like the Generals have hinted they themselves will rectify it. And we all know how the Army rectifies. Recommend
btw, Kayani bhaijan your wikileaks say otherwise….foot where the mouth is! The biggest challenge that army faces is that of morale now. Please address that too!Recommend
each General is worth 100 million dollars Recommend
So the politicians got their way. More money for them to fill their coffers. They say our armed forces are consuming too much of the budget. In almost all cases these politicians are either big industrialists or land owners and are in harmony with each other despite belonging to different parties (supposedly arch enemies of each other) for ensuring that they are not taxed. Now more of the country’s defense budget at their disposal to share around. Armed forces don’t deal with any foreign country to fund their needs they go through govt channels. Unlike some political parties getting funds from Saudi’s and not telling any one about this. Army has not quietened all these insincere politicians by being transparent as what has been received by the army and what has been kept by the civilian govt. It was the job of the civilian govt to come out and clarify as what percentage of the foreign aid has been diverted to army not the army’s job to detail as what they have received in terms of budget. I would love to see the political parties be as transparent as the army and tell us about their funding’s and I would also like to say some about the media as you guys are haunting the armed forces how about publishing the tax information of the senior politicians or their illegal activities or it is in the interest of the media not to rock the boat as you guys need favors from the politicians. Lets show transparency all around not just ask the armed forces for it.Recommend
@Independent from UK:
Lolz!!! Recommend
An army’s first and foremost job is to defend a nation, not dabbling in politics, not even making political statements, not abducting and killing the very citizens they are supposed to protect, not sucking the wealth of a nation for the benefit of its officers.Recommend
People of Pakistan (with the exception of few elements who are pretty much visible now) are with you… So go hard on who so ever is against Pakistan.
Pakistan Zindabaad’ Pakistan Army Paindabaad’Recommend
And before shooting the drones down, eliminate the terrorists, and if you can’t – you will show that you aren’t able to defend us whether it’s Indian attack on us. Stop using the terrorists as strategic assests and this theory of good taliban. They are all the same. We can forget all the mistakes you have done if you can just put things in order now, can get rid of these fanatics terrorists taliban and extremists. If you can’t, don’t come back to us for laping you on your back and giving you our blood to suck it even more. If you can’t, we deserve not to spend a single penny more on you. And we don’t need these small operations/dramas anymore.Recommend
@Nafees Ahmad:
are you existing now? is anyones life safe in this country? does anybody go out of home in the morning for work, being sure that s/he will come back home in the evening? why, afterall why shell we be spending so much on our defence if we are killed each and everyday and if a handfull of taliban and extremists can’t be defeated? Is this the strength of our “best army in the world”? if so, do we need it? They just play the drama, saying this operation and that operation is started in this agency and that agency, after 3 months the operation ends with 150% more taliban activities and damage to civilian life. Can anybody in the military get the country out of this security crisis? It’s not political crisis and don’t blame politicans for everythings. We remember your great work done in 71 and we are seeing the country burning like a hell since the last 8 years. It’s only our heart that is bleeding, you enjoy your posh life in your fortresses where you don’t even hear the sound of choppers coming from across the border.Recommend
@Rashid: the prime minister firing the COAS (in accordance with his constitutional right)??? That was last attempted on Oct 12 1999. As we all know the COAS quietly accepted the notification and went home to spend more time with his family. Recommend
I have a MUCH better IDEA.. make peace with INDIA>. and GET rid of the ARMYRecommend
“To stand united as a nation” and to put “an end” to divisions, Gen Kayani, the Armed Forces of Pakistan should stop meddling in politics, and whilst half the country’s population lives under poverty, reduce its annual budget considerably. It is there to defend the nation with transparency, its intelligence services should be answerable to parliament and elected governments. There is no other way to put an end to the distrust in its institutions. Our generals have blundered enough in the past decades, enough, the country has paid too high a cost. Our media should be respected for making our people aware. Do not blame the Americans, look at ourselves and past fatal policies. The list is endless, most of the detrimental decisions taken by the generals. Time to focus their efforts only and exclusively for the defense of the nation and no more meddling in civilian matters.Recommend
The armed forces do not have an image problem. The VERY senior personnel of the armed forces have an acute image problem and the COAS must be aware of this.
We the people and our political leaders are equally to blame as we have from day one placed them on this pedestal. It will require sane, mature minds and egos must be placed aside if a solution is to be found. Recommend
@Salman Ehsan
Your point is completely inaccurate. It takes Rs.350 Billion to hold up all 8 state companies, PIA, Steel Mills etc.
While the budget of Pakistan Army is in excess of Rs.700 Billion, out of which Rs.495 Billion is direct, plus an additional Rs.150 Billion under the armed forces development program, In addition, Rs73.2 billion would be paid from civilian accounts on army pensions.
That, thats more than the entire development budget of Pakistan. Ironic, we are giving 700 Billion for the development of 1 million army, while we are giving 485 billion for the development of 179Million remaining people.
How patriotic.Recommend
The first step towards the army becoming an army (and not a cornflakes factory, foreign policy maker, espionage agency or real estate agent) is for the ISPR to be shut down. The Ministry of Defence should issue such statements and army should not be allowed to conduct public briefings, conduct press conferences, or host media events. Those should be done in certain cases, only through Ministry of Defence, and focusing on particular items or operations – not policy & strategic matters.
The army has no right to complain to the media about how it is being criticized. If they are upset, they must go through the MOD and issue a statement. The US or Indian army has never gone the the papers whining about why the public chooses to criticize them, their incompetency, or their corruption.Recommend
Does anybody remember the President who said, ”Read my lips” when giving his election speech on the constipated economy that a storm in a desert had caused. The General is claiming the same rhetoric before he launches a storm in the hills.If only our leaders no matter whether they are in uniform or Brook Brother suits should read this qoute and place it
loud and clear on their ”Office Table” to remind them!
” Your position never gives you the right to command. It only imposes on you the duty of so
living your life that others can receive your orders without being humiliated.”
” Your errors of the past make your relations to others difficult, when the present shows that
you might repeat them.”
These two statements came from Dag Hammarsjkold who I am sure our Generals must be
in knowledge of? as regards our political leaders denying that they ever met or heard of him
the benefit of doubt should be granted to them. Let me pray and hope that a few sane who
still live to remember December 16th 1971! Will keep their fingers crossed and pray that we
do not see the repeat of the episode on December 16th 2011 on the fortieth anniversary.Recommend
The MQ-1B Predator is a medium-altitude, long-endurance, unmanned aircraft system. The Predator’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, or ISR.
Formerly known as the Predator C, the stealthy Avenger is designed to fly a 20 hour mission. The Avenger is designed to operate at altitude up to 60,000 ft.
The unmanned aircraft can take different payloads weighing up to 3,000 lbs., including EO, radar, and electronic payloads, as well as weapons (typical weapons carried could include GBU-38 Laser/JDAM),
Yarara (Argentina)The unique concept of an integral propulsion unit allows a high sortie rate, easy field maintenance
Eitan isreal can perform long-range missions of over 1000km and can remain airborne for over 24 consecutive hours.
The BILL 2 missile was designed upon the original BILL 1 Anti-tank guided weapon that has been in the service of the Swedish Army since 1988.
MBT LAW sweden has been designed to counter main battle tanks at short ranges as well as buildings, fortifications and non-armoured vehicles
The Type 01 LMAT is a Japanese man-portable fire-and-forget anti-tank missile.
The interceptor, designed for endo-atmospheric conditions (up to an altitude of 30 km) is a seven-metre-long and single stage solid rocket propelled guided missile, and is equipped with an inertial navigation system, a hi-tech computer and an electro-mechanical activator totally under command by the data uplinked from the sophisticated ground-based radars to the interceptor.
Similarly, the interceptor designed for exo-atmospheric conditions is a two-stage missile with a maximum interception altitude of 80 kmRecommend
If Kayani had a bone of decency he should have resigned after
continious faliures and follies of Pak armyRecommend
@Nafees Ahmad:
are you existing now? is anyones life safe in this country? does anybody go out of home in the morning for work, being sure that s/he will come back home in the evening? why, afterall why shell we be spending so much on our defence if we are killed each and everyday and if a handfull of taliban and extremists can’t be defeated? Is this the strength of our “best army in the world”? if so, do we need it? They just play the drama, saying this operation and that operation is started in this agency and that agency, after 3 months the operation ends with 150% more taliban activities and damage to civilian life. Can anybody in the military get the country out of this security crisis? It’s not political crisis and don’t blame politicans for everythings. We remember your great work done in 71 and we are seeing the country burning like a hell since the last 8 years. It’s only our heart that is bleeding, you enjoy your posh life in your fortresses where you don’t even hear the sound of choppers coming from across the borderRecommend
And what about drones attacks.
Shame on All Pakistani LeadershipRecommend
Frustratingly Laughable. They still think they can fool us.
Long live ‘unspecified quarters’!Recommend
The money has been given to Pakistan for taking action against the terrorists by U.S. and if it will be utilised by the public then it will be treated as BLÖOD MONEY in advance and then U.S will be free for the Drone attack any where in the Pakistan .No one can blame U.S for the sovereignity of the Pakistan .Recommend
“Kayani called on tribesmen of North Waziristan to drive out all foreigners from their soil.”
I guess we should also give all the Bulletproof BMW-7 series, golf clubs and DHAs to the tribesman because you want them to do your job!Recommend
Kayani must really think that Pakistanis were idiots? Why else would he put out such crazy statements?Recommend
Great’Recommend
When people speak united, it works. Pakistani people need to understand their strength and break the shackles of slavery. All institutions must perform, not in their own interests, but in the interests of the nation or heads must roll.Recommend
OK. So, you divert the aid to the Civilian resources but increase your home budget for Defence. Its a net loss for the Civilians. What is the use!Recommend
@Salman Ehsan: they spend because they can spend….we can’t!!Recommend
Kayani is against Drone.
Gilani is against Drone.
President is against drone.
Opposition leader against drone.
Every parlimentary party is against drone.
People of Pakistan are against drone.
Millitants are against drone.
US is in favor of drone….Recommend
@akram:
Sir BMW kay mazy khatam ho jaingay.Recommend
@Aamer: Dude I’m only inaccurate because you’re too myopic to understand my point.
350 billion to hold on to these 3 companies in “deficit” and in addition, no tax on agriculture which is backbone of Pakistan’s GDP (roughly 60% ? don’t know the exact figures! ) and not even on feudal lords — get the picture ?
I’m not in favor of this huge military spending & I pay my taxes ( one of 1.7m people who pay tax out of a population of 180m ) but, I keep an indifference in blaming army for all the economic hardships being faced by Pakistan & its people.Recommend
@Malik:
Can this ever happen in Pakistan??
:et the History be judge of this and you will find that the Land of Pure is filled with too many crooks, liers and cheats in the ruling classes!!!
They need to be dealt with first, because even Allah can not save Pakistan, as these are very people who are destroying the Nation with their deceit!!!!Recommend
Economic crises and security situation in country is really bad and this is like powder keg.
I hope someone has read what caused break up of mother Russia as it was: it was economic crisis and the largest army could not stop the break up of the country.
Gen Kayani I feel realises the gravity of the situation and has made the statement of US aid re-profilingRecommend
i think now a days every body just debating in this regard please leave this loli pop and do some in in real practical way rather then democracy in every matter. thanksRecommend
The first sane comment from a leader after a long long time.Recommend
Army officers should be banned from issuing any policy or public statements without the prior permission of civil govt. There should be no exception no matter what. Recommend
Army must learn to live within the bounds of the constitution if Pakistan is to become a civilized state. Acting as a parallel institution to th government rather than one under its’ control and oversight has caused immense harm to this country. It is very unfortunate that Army chooses to issue a public statement which is without the approval of the govenment and definitely not through the Ministry of Defence. This is why it is earning the title of a rouge army. Please realize this country is in dire straits – poverty, terrorism, sectarianism, polictical instability, abysmal state of economy, education and healthcare and rampant corruption. This is not sustainable. If this country falls apart, army will not survive either. A strong army cannot be a guarantee for security if the country remains weak. Think about it.Recommend
“This is an effort to drive a wedge between the army, different organs of the state and more seriously, the people of Pakistan”
An effort by whom if I may ask? Is it CIA, MOSSAD or RAW again perhaps? Do you even have any concrete proof before you go ahead and make such baseless accusations like a bumbling fool? Are you sure that it’s not your own institution that’s widening the wedge while claiming to offer protection from such threats at the same time? And what do you mean by “the people of Pakistan”? Have you honestly cared a hoot about their well-being? Because if so, Balochistan would beg to differ on this point. Or does that only extend to the point that they’re alive and able to pay taxes to fund your army perks and what-not thanks to the huge defense budget?
Time and time again your institution has continued to disappoint the people of Pakistan. If you truly care about them then it is time to come clean and give us the answers we deserve.Recommend
As Kayani and his ilk, past and present, are being exposed what they are, estalishmet tries another trick to claim some legitimacy by promising some illusion funds to hapless population.
What a great charade! They know very well the Coalition Support Fund will not be released as it was approved by US Senate and Congress only to be used for fighting terrorism by NATO. It is not like flipping the switch. Now economic missery of the hapless also he can blame it on the NATO nations snd US.Recommend
Mirza and Anwar commeted seriously and the advice of Quran and Hadith is the only good solution suggested so far.
FORGET KASHNIR AND ISRAEL,
DEEP SEA BURIAL OF Islamic republic and emergence of a secular ,progressive .democratic Pakistan .Recommend
Fig leaf. Too little too late, Pak military thinks they can fool us again by these media shenanigans.Recommend
@Ummer Khan:
Dear Ummer, no change can be brought through ‘Vote’ and ‘Election” in this kind of society. The reason is, democracy has its pre-requisites which we don’t fulfill at the moment. Since we are passing through a transitional phase, for the time being, to expect any change is useless.Recommend
@Anonymous:
You are an establishment apologist who does not know anything. Go away and play.Recommend