Gen Shahid said that it was a shocking revelation that Musharraf had not only permitted US forces to use the country’s airspace but also its airbases. AFP/FILE
Former military ruler General (retd) Pervez Musharraf had kept his top commanders in the dark about his ‘secret understanding’ with the US to support the invasion of Afghanistan, according to his former military aide.
Lt General (retd) Shahid Aziz disclosed that top military commanders had reached a consensus to remain neutral in the event of a US operation in Afghanistan, following the 9/11 attacks.
Gen Shahid was holding the key post of Chief of General Staff (CGS) at the General Headquarters at the time of the US’ military offensive against the Afghan Taliban,
“A majority of the corps commanders were of the view that Pakistan should not side with the US in its efforts to invade Afghanistan,” he told The Express Tribune.
He recalled that Gen Musharraf had extensive and intense discussions with corps commanders to discuss Pakistan’s response to the US’ demands of supporting the Afghan war.
“Some of the participants, including General Aziz Ahmed Khan and General Jamshed Gulzar Kayani, opposed the idea of ditching the Taliban,” Gen Shahid claimed.
Following the discussions, Musharraf assured the military commanders that Pakistan would neither support the US nor the Taliban, he added. “We will remain neutral,” he quoted Musharraf as saying.
However, a few months later, it emerged that contrary to the decision, Musharraf had already struck a deal with the US.
“I came to know through my own sources that Jacobabad and Pasni airbases were being used by Americans for the operation in Afghanistan,” Gen Shahid said, adding that it was a shocking revelation that Musharraf had not only permitted US forces to use the country’s airspace but also its airbases.
“I took up this issue with him (Gen Musharraf) but he said he knew what was in Pakistan’s best interest,” Gen Shahid disclosed.
When pressed on how a CGS, who is considered second-in-command of the Army, remained clueless of the important decision, the retired general said: “Gen Musharraf only shared information on a need to know basis.”
He said his advice to the former president was that Pakistan must not launch any operation in tribal areas as it would have negative consequences.
Gen Shahid also recently claimed in his book that only four generals knew about the Kargil operation. His revelations led to calls for judicial investigations into the 1999 incident that derailed the peace process between Pakistan and India.
(Read: Why so late, General?)
Published in The Express Tribune, February 5th, 2013.
COMMENTS (62)
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@Saeed: Thanks for responding. But instead of derogatory / sarcastic remarks, I would have appreciated a point wise reply to my two earlier comments based on stark facts (howsoever unpalatable) without resorting to any cliche / conspiracy theory / double speak or emotional rhetoric. GOD will bless you for spreading knowledge and enlightenment.
Sorry for the wrong reference regarding terms of reference. The comment referred was in a similar blog as under: http://tribune.com.pk/story/502059/peace-talks-ttp-wants-nawaz-to-act-as-guarantor/
{For Heavan’s sake can any one I repeat anyone spell out the broad framework of negotiations with these religiously motivated barbarians? The so called peace deals with Army in the past were very limited in scope and were basically cease fire agreements based on cessation of attacks on Army posts in return for de facto recognition of TTP power in their area. Correct me if I am wrong but there was apparently no clause against violent / barbaric spread of Taliban ideology at gun point or any restriction on mistreatment of people including women in their sphere of influence. Prove me wrong and make my day. Please Please.}
@gp65: "Would appreciate if you would share yours." Please read my response to Rex Minor carefully. Remind yourself that Gen Powell was the boss of Armitage in the State Department then. Armitage was only following up on the stage set by his boss. That is normal courtesy when you are talking to a head of a foreign government.
@Hasan Mehmood: It would be unfair of me to cross swords with a self confessed dim wit. That your comments are due to your limited knowledge is self evident, they are a bit of a farrago and self contradictory.
If it is iusse of Afghan War then we will have to go in 1980s, for whom we fought against Russia ? And every body know who were those in front line ? Do that need a judicial commission too ?
@G. Din: "That call was made by Gen Powell, then Secretary of State, not Armitage!"
OF course I could be wrong. But here is my source for saying that Armitage was the messenger from Bush that arm twisted Musharraf. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/5369198.stm Would appreciate if you would share yours.
@Something Clever: "Alright. So, the entire planet knew of his cooperation but not his own generals. Makes sense."
It's a question of timing. When did the entire planet find out about Pakistan's involvement vs when the Generals found out.
For example the entire planet knows that US rains drones on FATA. However in 2005 whenthis information was not public and a brave Pakistani journalist made that information public he died mysteriously.
Thus at the time Gen Aziz and the rest of the corp commanders found out maybe BEFORE the rest of the planet fond out but after when they should have found out.
@hamza khan: No justification of Tbs attacks but how many attacks occured before the army invasion of Waziristan. Those who live in gilded drawing rooms in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad have no authority on how to deal with FATA.
I rest my case
@Rex Minor: Yes, Armitage came personally to deliver some arm-twisting ("We can turn you back to stone age") but Powell had telephoned Musharraf with "You are with us or against us. Decide!" before that to which Musharraf capitulated.
@G. Din: Armitage was a massenger of the ultimatum who took the risk and went to the President house! The ultimatum was from George W, the Texan Sherif. Musharaf gave the details to the CNN comedian, I believe?
Rex Minor
These tinpot generals have no morals. They are corrupt to the core and ripped apart the country and emerge from their closets after being retired, They have no courage. If they had any courage they should have resigned and then criticise their officers.
I balme Musharraf for the Kargil Fiasco +++++++++++++++++++++ He didnt have the elementary sens to first conduct the coup and then the Kargil Infiltration. That way he would have got the entire blame for the military and political defeat:)
@gp65: " Musharraf had capitulated to the call from Richard Armitage. " That call was made by Gen Powell, then Secretary of State, not Armitage!
@Usman: One does not require the divine knowledge to know that no one in history has broken the security system of the Pashtun tribesmen, which one must to overpower them, neither the so called great Alexander or Babar nor the relatively modern armies of Britain, Soviet Union and the yankees and their allies.
Rex Minor
Well fought both Generals, Gen Shahid is the winner.
The credibility of our generals, admirals and air marshals is at a historic low and this only helps in bringing it down a few more notches.
Alright. So, the entire planet knew of his cooperation but not his own generals. Makes sense.
@Saeed: {Even the foreign occupation forces are now in a dialogue with their adversaries in Afghanistan} Thats an irrelevant example. The foreign occupation forces are simply interested in safe exit of men and material. What if TTP / Alqaeda demand only 5% enforcement of their dark ideology in USA in return for sparing / calling off all future planned attacks on USA targets, will any USA citizen use the same tone as you are using.
Better still please try to educate me regarding terms of engagement as humbly requested in my original post. But maybe thats too tall an order.
@nadeem: " For sure Generals have brought more harm and more shame to Pakistan than the corrupt Politicians." ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Its a neck to neck race!
Americans were deep dug in our system and always sponsored dictators,democracy's strength and voice/sentiments cannot be challenged at any world forums so American extensively cultivate our army officers and bureaucrats during various military/civil course back in USA so we left with no choice but to remain slaves,them came Saudi factor society further divided on sect lines what else you need to be proud off,once everything exposed but "this mad slashing is good for rejuvenation of broken/divided society".
people i dont know why u all turn against a single person decisions are not made by him instaed political union also supported but afterwards they used it to destroy musharraf image i think that he must not held elecion s or resigned from his post as when country is in war state and then govt changes so they cannot bear hat difficulties and canot continue polices efficiently
@Mohammad: This article was related to Mushraf s era therefore I wrote about Mushraf era. Trust me This Zardari and Sharif era is worst even that time as they keep continue with war on terror and completely adhere to Mushraf policies or legacy..
I will not even think or dare to vote again to present parties in Govt. I am not mad to suffer again for five more years. We have seen these parties capacity and capability to deliver.
For sure Generals have brought more harm and more shame to Pakistan than the corrupt Politicians.
@hamza khan: before you have another apoplectic fit, this is not about IK. Though it as been proved that IK was right in advocating a dialogue to end this internecine war,damaging to our country's future. The other parties are either dumbstruck or vacillating between appeasement or nothing to offer. Imran has clarified himself on numerous occasions on this, but people with blindfolds and suffering from cranial flatulence will not understand. Even the foreign occupation forces are now in a dialogue with their adversaries in Afghanistan. Their installed rulers are calling not only for dialogue, but release of captured prisoners as well. So all those who have nothing substantive against IK please hold your peace and stop conmpounding your ignorance with stupidity.
@Wali Kahan:
Why blame everything on Musharraf. You go and vote for zordari and noori to get the result you dont like. Now you have to suffer. You are not alone I am surprised there are thousand of idiots still want to vote for these people. You cannot trust the same people who betray you again and again. I also wonder everybody media, politicians, journalist all against Musharraf and did say a word to the culprets who have ruined the nation in every way-economy, institutions, law and order etc. At least people were happy in Musharraf's time whatever maybe the reason.
Come on Guys...Wake up. This is all Drama to keep Musharraf away from Pakistan. Whenever he is close to announcing his return date, these Cowards open the Pandora Box to create bad name for him. Where were these so called "Righteous" people when Musharraf was still in the Country after tendering resignation from his post? GEO MUSHARRAF!
As long as Pakistan is controlled by generals like Musharraf whom many Pakistanis continue to support, Pakistan does not need India as the perpetual enemy to destroy it.
@Mohammad: naive comment. On whose expenditure gen. Mushraff is enjoying exile ?
Sorry for being dim witted, but I have never understood all this crap about joining the war on terror as if we had an option and could avoid the resultant damage.
As per my limited knowledge no country in the world (except if you are a super power and literally say GO TO HELL), is allowed to let its soil be used for deadly / lethal attacks on another country recognized by UN and being protected by UN sanctioned forces. International law does not care if its a puppet regime as long as it is diplomatically recognized.
How can anyone accuse us of joining America's war on terror when we did not contribute any men or material in Afghan war theater and neither allowed any American / NATO soldiers to be operative on our side of border. As for the half hearted / non serious / belated / sporadic Army actions in Tribal Areas against Al Qaeda and their supporters based here but attacking Afghan / ISAF / US forces in Afghanistan, the alternative would have been hot pursuit and no country would have come to our help.
I again apologize for being a simpleton and would gladly like to be debriefed.
@Mohammad: "Gen shahid aziz said the same things in a television interview somewhere is 2010 or so. Nawaz shareef remembers that and want to cash it for that so that Musharraf should not come and contest the election."
Everyone knows that Musharraf had capitulated to the call from Richard Armitage. Everyone knows that Musharraf lied to the world about KArgill. This is not new information. Musharraf is not willing to come back to Pakistan because he does not want to face the cases against him - nothing to do with Gen. Aziz's "revelations". Otherwise what stopped him from coming back by March 23 2012 when he had said he will definitely come?
Talibans have played havoc with People of Pakistan and are still continuing with it.Gen(R)Musharraf stand on 9/11 and subsequent actions in tribal areas were absolutely essential to preserve the sovereignity' and well being of the country.Lt Gen( R)Shahid had so many differences with the policies of Gen(R) Musharraf and yet did not have the courage and guts to resign which Generals' with character do. That he continued to serve on very important posts and kept on enjoying perks and privilages shows his very poor character traits and major weakness in it.He may well be telling total lies as shown by him during his service tenure.
“Some of the participants, including General Aziz Ahmed Khan and General Jamshed Gulzar Kayani, opposed the idea of ditching the Taliban,” Gen Shahid claimed. We have still not ditched the Taliban and have most of the generals, judges and rightwing leaders in their favor. In fact most of Taliban apologists keep talking about legitimizing them by sitting with them as if they are another govt of equal status and want to make agreements like between two rival countries/armies after war.
What General Aziz is saying about not conducting any operation in tribal areas is akin to saying that a cancer patient, who has extensive infection in some nodes, should wait for a natural death, instead of trying strong chemotherapy, because Chemotherapy may have side effects??
This would be laughable, if not tragic. Pakistan has allowed itself to be mortally infested with terrorists by injecting itself with the disease to fight covert wars. Now, it is time for medicine, or slow, torturous death.
Nawaz Sharif, is mastermind of this episode . Because only he will gain here.
General retired Mushraf betray the nation if that was case. I am sad Pak is completely bleeding. And people in Chicago are doing best business and there children are doing world class studies and research in USA,
WHere we are standing today?? Even not single hockey or cricket willing to come in pakistan. We are living in world without enjoying international sports or cultural. While same time all the countries are arranging international cultural and sports event to provide there masses with best recreation facilities. Further more we lost in education after this war Sweden deny to open its (Royal Institute of Technology http://www.kth.se/en) subcampus. While in USA people have best universities for it young generation. While Pakistani young generation are very unfortunate by that decade.
It is complete betrayal by Mushraf.. We are sad..
General Aziz is a unique charater. He resigned as instruction in Staff college due to meager pay and ask him now how he accumulated income to build farm houses. Now that he has started following religion more seriously, he has become noble.
Gen shahid aziz said the same things in a television interview somewhere is 2010 or so. Nawaz shareef remembers that and want to cash it for that so that Musharraf should not come and contest the election. It is pity of the sorry state of mentality of our politicians.
@ayesha azeem:
In the hind-sight it is easy to say that but in reality when a decision is made or taken nobody knows the outcome of that decision.
@jamshed kharian-pak:
At least Musharraf does not have any corruption charges. He has earned a lot of money from his lectures all over the world. He also earned great revenues from the royalties from his book"In line of Fire". This book has been the best seller for so many months. Since he set up his party he is receiving donations for his party as well. If Mr. Jamshed has any knowledge or proof of his corruption money or can prove his account numbers and how he accumulated his wealth through corruptionthen please bring to the attenion to the people. Just giving a statement is not good in Islam withou proof.
Musharraf is patriotic and great leader doesn't matter these say people along Nawaz and company
@Usman: Oh bhai, Imran, Imran, the same old mantra.
" Musharraf assured the military commanders that Pakistan would neither support the US nor the Taliban," ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ This while being a major non Nato ally in the war on terror.:)
“I took up this issue with him (Gen Musharraf) but he said he knew what was in Pakistan’s best interest,” Gen Shahid disclosed. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Now replace " Pakistan with Musharraf in the above sentence. QED.
Shame on all the Generals.
Looks like book sale is no good so far :)
Musharraf & his colabos has very long & large bank accounts in usa gb france
Musharraf & his colabos has very long & large bank accounts in the usa gb france
Shahid Aziz wasn't made Vice Chief & therefore always had a grudge against Musharraf. His recent meetings with Nawaz have exposed his true sellout nature
All this garbage reminds me of a joke, a general over threw a government and called a press conference to share the reasons for his actions - like corruption, mis-management, nepotism etc. a question came 'you were part of the government, then why did you not speak up then', the general angrily asked who asked that question, everyone was so intimidated that no one said anything and the general said for that same very reasons. Gen. Shahid you were part and parcel of the Brady bunch - remember one thing when you sling mud on others you first dirty your own hands. Good luck.
“Some of the participants, including General Aziz Ahmed Khan and General Jamshed Gulzar Kayani, opposed the idea of ditching the Taliban,” Gen Shahid claimed.
Regardless of the confession, pakistan hasn't ditched taliban yet.
@Nadir: Whether he spoke up at that time or not reflects on his moral character, not his professional abilities as a soldier and a war planner. My comment was regarding his analysis of the situation in FATA, which I would count second to none, and it matched IK's take. Hence, vindication for IK's stance.
Getting into America's war on terror in Afghanistan is the biggest mistake ever made by Pakistan besides Marshall laws..
Gen. Musharraf you accuse Nawaz Sharif that he could not bear the international pressure on Kargil and surrender, but you yourself a commando general could not even absorb a single phone call from President Bush when whole nation was standing with you? Shame on you coward!
Former General shahid must have been a very naive General in service; the whole world was aware of George W ultimatum, that those who are not with USA are against USA!!
A very dark future awaits those military Generals who commit treason against their Nation! Musharaf will take many of his collegues with him, once he is put on trial.
Rex Minor
When Afghanistan is a war theater, In Pakistan, a hypocrite would promise to stay Neutral and only fools would trust him.
Is it me or is this guy trying to say that all blame goes to Musharraf for the afghanistan war help and FATA operations? Thats gross and unacceptible. Is this the insitution you armed forces boast of? Is this the kind of best laid plans you always seem to somehow manage to destroy? What a shame general. 40 thousand pakistanis have died since you had this "ideological" diffrence with someone who was certainly capable of bringing in lots of money for you guys and paid the bill and more. So lets cut him loose now and try and wash the image of the rest of the crap. We as a nation have weak memories. So we ll soon forget that for a decade, Pak army generals lived with this kind of damage to the country and kept taking salaries and all the plots and perks for a job they were criminally incompetent at. If this comment passes through ET moderator, i ll be so glad.
There is barely anything new in these "revelations", in fact most of this was already mentioned by Gen Shahid Aziz in a TV interview in 2010.
The general was CGS at the time of amerecan invasion but remained silent 4 only 2 save his post not the country.at least he could have resigned for the sake of the country which might encourage others 2 follow and hence musharuf could have left barred and with no support from top brass he might be forced to review his stand of supportin american but alas now everyone is proving himself innocent like AK Niazi
@Usman:
this is such utter BS and nonsense, that as a IK fanboy i am not surprised that you have fallen for it. PTI trolls will find any excuse to justify imran khan apologetic stance on the taliban, which led him to even apologize for the attack on malala and not condemn it forcefully. the decision to go into the tribal areas was absolutely the correct one. this is pakistans army that went in. not indian or US army the army has the right to go into, on the recommendation and counsel of the provincial government, which is what happened in 2003/4. the army used its force to fight militants who were being harbored by locals, and not the locals themselves. the vast majority of the fighting there was between the army and the foreigners hiding in the tribal areas. do those guys deserve our sympathy for conducting attacks in our cities and killing our civilians? no. only the PTI is confused about this.
I am loving this fight of the generals. Finally, someone is breaking the silence in the establishment.
nothing new to me.
And yet again, another vindication of Imran Khan's stance on FATA and the Tribal areas.