Pakistan

COAS wants removal of Zardari loyalists: report

British media reports say Kayani has handed a list of incompetent ministers to Zardari demanding their removal.

Express October 02, 2010

The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani has reportedly handed a list of allegedly incompetent ministers to President Asif Ali Zardari, and demanded their removal, according to a report published in a British daily.

A senior western official requesting anonymity confirmed that the president has been asked to remove named loyalists from his 60-member cabinet.

The move comes in the backdrop of rising public impatience with the government's dealing with corruption and the devastating floods that have ravaged the country. Rumours of a military coup have been making the rounds, with the latest warning coming from former president Pervez Musharraf who said on Wednesday that Kayani could be forced to intervene against the government of President Zardari which he said had failed to tackle rampant militancy and a crumbling economy.

A close Zardari aide however denied that the army was pressuring the government.

Earlier, a significant meeting between President Zardari, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and General Kayani had been reported to have diffused tensions with the troika pledging to support democracy.

Two senior diplomats said the preferred course of action is for the present government to see out its five-year term. One of the officials said it was the only way to bring long-term stability.

COMMENTS (61)

Raees | 14 years ago | Reply Why not first get rid of US loyalists.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan has been playing with Democracy for 63 years. No wonder this Government is so blatantly corrupt. Give it time. The guy after Kayani might be a complete Idiot and not relinquish power for a long time if he takes over. Why take a chance! This is not Democracy what is being practiced in Pakistan. In a democracy there is Civilian supremacy. That might slowly come but I dont know how long the patience of the military will stand.

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Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply You still think we want this kind of democracy thats prevailing in Pakistan... We would term it as the best revenge...yeah but against the people of Pakistan

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply "its better to have a system where there is no democracy but rule of law prevails people flourish on the tax they pay the country is peaceful the parliament is not full of fake degree holders and inept corrupt people and the justice system is fair, the economy is booming job opportunities are present and literacy rate soars and people are free from ethinic religious and other kinds of rubbish party politics..." --> No thats a wrong argument to make. Even the US which is the richest country or China which is the 2nd richest corruption exists. I am not batting for people who are corrupt but I am just pointing out the human nature. Humans will always have good seeds and bad seeds among them. It is important to encourage the good ones while discouraging the bad ones. The system you desire of cannot be built. Many countries have been practicing with different kind of Governments for decades now and Democracy and China-style Communist government are the only real options. According to democracy, Army doesn't have ANY role in politics.

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Anoop agreed to The problem is structural not individual. The change has to come from top down, i.e., from the constitutional level to the people who are actually implementing it Yes but till that sys can be attained and God knows when in this time of distress some one has to shoulder the responsibility and Kiyani is doing just fine not only protecting borders but looking after the people's interest, well right again we are lucky till his tenure and its not known what may follow... as for choosing the two sys communism or democracy... none would suit us, its better to have a system where there is no democracy but rule of law prevails people flourish on the tax they pay the country is peaceful the parliament is not full of fake degree holders and inept corrupt people and the justice system is fair, the economy is booming job opportunities are present and literacy rate soars and people are free from ethinic religious and other kinds of rubbish party politics... we dont have any one to look upto at the moment I cant name any one... except pray to Allah for betterment.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Shani Syed, The problem I feel is structural. Today Kayani wants to keep out of politics, although his chair retains enough power to influence any policy. But, tomorrow Pakistan might not be lucky. The problem is structural not individual. The change has to come from top down, i.e., from the constitutional level to the people who are actually implementing it. Give Kayani the respect he deserves for occupying a chair worthy of respect but thats it. He or anyone occupying his chair should not be looked at as saviors. Thats dangerous for Pakistan. Its sad to see that Pakistan has not decided on the type of government it wants. There are only 2 worthy models to be considered. The Godless Communist one practiced by China and the Democratic one practiced by countries like US, France, India, etc. I would suggest the latter than the former. Kayani has kept a low profile but the recent meeting with PM and the President advising them on how to do their job is a little alarming due when you consider the history of Pakistan. Criticizing the Army chief or any other general does not amount to attacking the Pakistani state or its people. In a democracy there must be enough leg room to criticize someone based on reason. Kayani is a servant of Pakistan and his actions must be scrutinized because that might lead to drawing up a pattern for the most powerful man in Pakistan. Air Force and Navy in Pakistan have usually kept out of Politics and they deserve the people's respect but an eye must be kept on the Army which has done more than its required to do.

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Anoop No Mr Anoop I dint mean to sound offensive if that what you felt, like I stated earlier the point is not starting an indo-Pak war its way off the subject it just happens to be most of us Pakistanis are patriotic abt our country...ne ways you will have to agree that both india and Pakistan have their issues and problems and unfortunately for us yes there are more problems on our side as the newly born state aft Quaid-e-Azam Rahmat-ul-Allah has constantly been a victim of corrupt and selfish rulers who have only their own interests to safe guard vicious policies of govt have made us to depend on foriegn aid by the US and hence follow the orders, then there were feudals that india got rid of and we dint, Yes I agree with you on the fact we lost East Pakistan due to our own mistakes again Mr. Bhutto was too arrogant to accept his defeat and give the power to Mujeeb-ur-Rehman as the bengalis were stripped off their rights so we practically let india interfere and break us apart and we havent learned any thing from it yet but there are always two sides of the stories my grand father n my uncle were west Pakistanis and govt employees, I never saw them as this was long time before my birth, but we lost both of them in 71 despite the fact West Pakistan had arranged for their safe return with a safe passage back to west Paksitan but a bengali seaman drowned them at sea along with 41 more west Pakistanis and out of 58 aboard that ferry only six survived, we never even found bodies just a confirmation from the Embassy of Pakistan in Burma, by stating this I do not intend to say what the Army did is correct but only state its been two ways always and I truly hold west Pak responsible for wrong policies... yes the army has interest in keeping the india issue alive how else do we spend on the budget of defense but we cant ignore that the threat is their too Any ways back on the track Mr. Kiyani is not like other Army cheif if you see he has never had or shown any intentions to put martial law but believe me this govt is asking for it cause they them selves want to proove themselves victim and disappear for five six yrs of self exiled and then appear again to loot the country its the same vicious cycle till some real change can come and change the whole sys. Kiyani sahab is a wise and patient man we do expect alot from him we hope that he shall do all with in the law and the responsibility lies with the supreme court too. We dont advocate millitary rule but unfortunately for us the sham democracy has always been worse than martial law for a commom man finds a lil peace why else do you think people feel relieved and rejoice at the falling of corrupt politicians no matter how bad it may be for the country, yes i agree with you too that corruption may lie witthin the forces as well but among some generals and officers not like our politicians and well atleast they protect our borders, who do you think is helping the flood victims with out any fame?? i knwcoz I am apart of Pak Airforce volunteer prog, the army is our last resort you see we need some one to keep a check on these people else they would have sold Pakistan off long time ago and that person is the COAS else there is no hope till the sys that is corrupt can be changed. At times you find yourself wondering isnt it God's miracle Pakistan is surviving despite all odds May Allah bless or beloved home land of the pure and guide our rulers Ameen

Zia Ullah Shakoor | 14 years ago | Reply It would be better if Pakistan Govt need to complete their five years, they have to deeply consider on inflation. We don't have any revenge or hate about the current Govt. We need employment, business opportunities, easy and affording access of basic necessary items i.e. Floor, Sugar, Electricity, Petrol, Gas etc. This is a warning from Army to correct your ways otherwise Pakistan Army is also for the people of Pakistan as well as our borders. Army is not just to save Pakistan Land. When we go to take an examination in a hall. If a superintendent call a single time to candidates to concentrate on their answer sheets. Despite this, if any one of candidate turn left or right, he knows he will be get out from the paper and he will lost a year. This is the same with our Govt.

Pakistan | 14 years ago | Reply But why we keep quite when Judiciary interfere with the administrative matters?

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Shani Syed, Dude, my desire to have a sane conversation with you and reply ended the moment I saw you accuse Indians attacking themselves. What rubbish. Then, why did your Interior minister come on International television to say Kasab was a Pakistani and why are the 7 suspects in jail in Pakistan? Anyway, its clear that despite all the things that your own Army has done to Pakistan you refuse to even acknowledge there is a problem and keep defending it. India did break up Pakistan but only after your Army performed a genocide on fellow Muslims, fellow Pakistanis. There are many Pakistani experts from Pakistan like Ayesha Jalal, Ayesha Siddiqui, Ahmed Rashid who offer a complete view of how Pakistani army is drawing its strength by propagandizing the Indian threat. Anyway, good luck keeping your head buried deep inside the sand. There was a doctor who kept on misdiagnose the patient as having A, when in reality he had B. As a result he kept on giving the wrong prescription and medicines and was always wondering why the sickness is increasing my the day. You remind me of that doctor. I've met many like you on Pakistani forums who believe 9/11 is a Jewish conspiracy, Mumbai is a RAW conspiracy, or even floods in Pakistan were caused by USA by some weather controlling weapon. Its no surprise when the brainwashing starts from school in Pakistan, whether its government school or private run or a madrassa.. You guys hold on to the notion that you won a war which in military terms amounts to a defeat. There is no hope if the root cause if not addressed for Pakistan. Goodluck.

SUB | 14 years ago | Reply Shab e Firaq jisay Aashqi main Kehte hain ……….. Woh raat khud nahi aati bulai jati hai ... It’s the incompetence and impotence of the democratic govt that things have come to this level. Even if it’s just a rumour, the makers of this rumour are encouraged to build it up so only because of the misdeeds of the current democratic setup

Faiz | 14 years ago | Reply @ Qazi - I don't know what La La land you are coming from but having your views only proves that you’re a PPP supporter... if you want Army to stay out of Politics then why not hold PPP accountable? Why not question President about his untimely lavish brown nosing trip to UK and France that was paid for by my countrymen while they suffered misery and were being swept away by these horrific floods? Why not make him answerable for not doing good enough job after the floods to bring it to the world scene for more help? Why not question him on his corruptions cases in Switzerland? what we need is a revolution in Pakistan where all these corrupt politicians need to be held accountable for their inabilities while holding the high level government positions and not performing their duties and misusing People of Pakistan’s funds to their advantage. We need an independent court (and no I am not referring to Chaudhry Iftikhar) and I am sure we still have some honest judges left who can give a non-biased verdict. So please, stop this BS about the Army shouldn’t intervene…

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Anoop oh yeah really???? really efficient and hard working CAOS of india who couldnt control the school boys so called terrorists who attacked the staged drama of the Mumbai attack that one??? and oh how come the indian forces being 70,000 or more in numbers deployed in FORCEFULLY OCCUPIED Kashmir. how come sucha democratic ideal big country with a monstorous population a poverty rate higher than Pakistan where minorities are crushed if they raise their voices be scared of the Talibans the China men and the little neighbour next door, we may be lacking in alot of things but our morale has always been high, we are a peaceful nation we dont want war as much as you guys dont but we cant compromise on security of the nation never will each one of us will prove to be a Rashid Minhas if ever time comes InshAllah and we have our facts rights so thank you ...Really talk abt bravery any ways my intentions are not to start a Pak-indo war, simply to state you cant compare india to Pakistan and that We believe that Kiyani sahab is a very efficient neutral and wise General we trust him with Pakistan and the powers invested in him by the poeple of Pakistan and given to him by Allah Almighty.

Farooq Khan | 14 years ago | Reply A senior western official requesting anonymity confirmed that the president has been asked to remove named loyalists from his 60-member cabinet. Come on ET.....A senior western official requesting anonmity told me that The President told Gen Kiyani that he is not satisfied with Army's performance. worth publishing?

Fayyaz Haider | 14 years ago | Reply Once a drowning man was crying, "If I am drowned all country would also be drowned. If I am drowned all country would also be drowned." A passerby helped him out and asked why where you saying so. He answered that for me if I was drowned all country would have also been drowned. Same is the story with our corrupt politicians if they are thrown out from politics, they democracy will also be thrown out. Most worse democracy is better than martial law is actually for such corrupt politicians not for the nation.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Shani Syed, "Correction India lost in 65, had to back off in Siachin and had not the US, not interevened in Kargil war two more days india would have ended up with a dead load of soldiers…." --> Are you serious? Dude, read from neutral sources about '65 war and the Kargil war. Even Musharaff,Nawaz Sharif admit that Kargil war a humongous mistake. Nawaz Sharif had flown to Washington to request the Indians to agree for a cease-fire. But, we agreed only after taking critical heights with us. The number Soldiers killed in Pakistan was almost to the ratio 2:1 with respect to Indian soldiers killed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kargil_War In 1965 too Pakistan attacked under Operation Gibraltar. Its mission was to capture Kashmir. India retaliated by attacking Lahore. The cease-fire was put in place and the Indians had occupied more Pakistani territory than vice-versa. After the cease-fire Lal Bahadur Shastri went to Tashkent and got our territory back. Since, the mission was unsucceful Pakistan is considered to be the loser. Read about Tashkent agreement. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tashkent_Declaration That Pakistan had wont he '65 war is a myth circulated in the Pakistani Textbooks. If you dont believe me there are hundreds of neutral sources,especially US,UN and European which talk about it. You can read about it and decide. "yes democracy may be prevailing in india but then again having so many states so many regiments in the army unlike a small country like Pakistan with one COAS..." --> USA the oldest democracy in the world and the richest country has 50 states way more than India has. And, China the world's 2nd richest has more number of people than India. Most of the problems in Pakistan are caused by the egomaniac Army Chiefs. For example: the genocide in Bangladesh, Kargil war, '65 war, Afghan war(Zia), etc. They have done more harm than good. Compare all this with the humble,hardworking,dedicated Army Chiefs in India. They are celebrated and respected. And, more importantly they dont open up Political Parties a la Musharaff.

Dr. Asad Sadick, Germany | 14 years ago | Reply The President should head the list...democratic process can carry on. True all democracies known have also corrupt politicians. They can afford it as they have their institutions in place. We only have corrupt politicians and really cannot afford them. Throwing them out will not derail democracy.

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply Democracy wut democracy yaar its just a damn name created by the west to fool us the kingdom of uae saudi kuwait are non democrtic but most peaceful and powerful countries not to mention most developed, in millitary rule atleast the common man has peace and is secure with his belongings and life its a sham democracy best revenge for people who voted and for those like us who dint well All we can do is wait.... wait to live to die I dunno if this is democracy and its good I wish we were a non democartic state but peaceful and prosperous and the army bcoz thats our last resort in the end every one rejoices the bringing down of a corrupt govt why punish us yaar but not martial law no thats what they want the rulers to become innocent and win votes for nxt ten years punish the corrupt by the judiciary the CJ should ask the army to hold elections and punish the corrupt thats a better solution dont let em loot n run n cum loot u again after five years change the sys not just faces even the faces dont change Clearly i pay my taxes cause i want our nuke prog secure and I trust our fuji jawans but I dont like my tax money being spent on some ones expensive suits whose wardrobe comes from Europe and all they can do is come on tv and visit fake flood camps... no jee @Adnan Ahmed well said india nad Pakistan are two diff countries they got rid of the feudals wen india was born while we are being run by them along with the estabishment the xyz God help us

Mirza Abeer | 14 years ago | Reply Just get on with it and take down the Government I did not vote for nor ever will.

Javed Ali | 14 years ago | Reply I think we should not be so impatient and disillusioned with the nascent democracy that has come to Pakistan after such a long struggle. Give it a chance. Army has no right to rule this country. Kinayi should focus on his own duties. The country pays him huge salary and other perks and privileges for the task assigned to him. We should stick to the book of law and the book(I mean constitution) says anyone who makes a coup should be hanged for treason.(Article 6 of the constitution of Pakistan). Zardari sb is being punished for sins that pale before Musharraf's. Kiyani is best and comfy place is GHQ not President House. Qauid-e-Azam would never approve of army taking the reigns of the government.

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply @ Mr. Anoop Correction India lost in 65, had to back off in Siachin and had not the US, not interevened in Kargil war two more days india would have ended up with a dead load of soldiers.... Pakistan Army never has to give advertisements for people to join services as they need to in india, The civilians be it govt ,common man business men when it comes to our integrity we are with the PAK FAUJ and as I stated before the being of Pakistn is in the supreme most interest of the Army cause you cant have an army with out a country.... yes democracy may be prevailing in india but then again having so many states so many regiments in the army unlike a small country like Pakistan with one COAS and four provinces and one kashmir the situation gets different the power is not shared it lies witha single powerful person, who is not just a sign of power in Paksitan but for people accross our borders too fear him dont they?

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply @Adnan Aziz Ahmed, "Everyone knows India is the world's biggest democratic farce, run..." -->Who is this everyone? You mean everyone you know in Pakistan. Show me one country which doens't have corrupt politicians.. In a democracy even the Criminals have rights. Thats the beauty of it. Political dynasties exist even in the oldest democracy and you cant argue with such things. Just because Rahul Gandhi's father was a PM doesn't mean he should not become a PM for example. He is contesting the elections and winning. Its his right to do so. This is just an example. "Even after 60 years, you still cant get over the fact that Pakistan is a strong..." --> Man, why does every Pakistani keep saying that? We have issues with the two-nation theory which was disproved by Pakistanis themselves when they killed,raped and tortured Bengalis, their own countrymen. Pakistan is a reality and I,for one, certainly want a big wall to divide India and Pakistan. Pakistan is an unstable, nuclear-armed country which is considered the epicenter of Terror. "And in case youre wondering, he reports to a Prime Minister who heads a democratically elected government, flawed though it may be, which does actually govern, formulate policies, make laws and strives for the betterment of the Pakistani people." --> Haha.. If you believe so go ahead. But, the truth is known to most who have watched Pakistan closely. During the KLB bill, when Zardari tried to bring ISI under the Interior ministry, the actions of the Army clearly suggest who is boss. What does the Army have to do with a purely Civilian deal with another sovereign nation? Army chiefs in India would have been kicked out the very next day. They are supposed to be non-political and disciplined. No wonder India has won all the wars against Pakistan. Army concentrates on its job here and Generals dont retire as millionaires here(Look at Musharaff).

jam fakhir | 14 years ago | Reply corruption, nepotism, crimes, well known to the ruling elite. can anyone cite how many occasions have they openly asked their croonies to STOP, indulging in the same. every moment a new scandal is unearthed, no one dares to stop further aggravating the situation, instead pride and satisfaction and appreciation to the biggest law breaker and blaster of mockery is given if no one in the government is prepared to listen, take action, where do you turn to.??? NO HARM IF SOME GOOD ACT DONE TO LEAD THE WAY AND SHOW THE CORRECT PATH TO THE misled????????

watchdog from UK | 14 years ago | Reply Pakistan is a unique country in many senses: where military keeps interfering in the politics. where the Supreme Court Chief Justice is made non functional where the military dictators tramples the constitution and nothing happens to him. where the terrorists form part of coalition where lions share of the budget goes to the military. My question is why give chance to the military to take a political stance? Why can't President Zardari get rid of his loyalists who have become a liability to the PPP. Why can't he get rid of people like Rahman Malik, Babar Ghauri, Ishrat Ebad, Farooq Sattar who are smeared by NRO. Why should President give a chance to the military to interfere in the political affairs of the country.

Nazir Habib | 14 years ago | Reply Yes and agreed ! You remove the 'baba' and the 'chalees chores' will disappear in a flash. But also at the same time improve the entire system of accountability and governance. Five years is too much. There should be a new government every four years so the system can be clean and new. salams and best wishes.

Sultan Ahmed. | 14 years ago | Reply Change is must, but must be revolutionary, and the building of corruption must be destroyed, otherwise you will have see the situation never expected. Due to hunger, and increasing poverty, poor people are compelled to commit suicide and on the hand, palaces are being built. Economy has become house servant of few families in Pakistan. Government in the center and provinces has failed ,absolutely failed,has lost command on the total machinery relating to the government. Millions of people are drowning in the flood water army is doing best but what the elected set up doing,see its efficiency, lost its confidence due to corruption in and out.

Amjad | 14 years ago | Reply The level of incompetence and corruption of this government is unprecedented, The polls indicate that the president has support of 20% people. Gilani might have just a little more. PPP representatives in the parliament, and associates are either raking it in or not brave enough to raise their voice. The resentment among public is quite apparent. Even the PPP jiyalas are at loss. At the same time derailing democracy is not a good idea. Opposition, can only play a role if there are some rules of conduct. Under the circumstances, what Gen. Kiyani is alleged to have done is a good midcourse.

The Only Normal Person Here. | 14 years ago | Reply - And speculations like these only serves the purpose of giving anchors a subject to be discussed all week in their "political" talk shows. So enjoy those too.

The Only Normal Person Here. | 14 years ago | Reply Army is too busy on the borders to be interfering in domestic politics. Such speculations are part of the package when Executives meet Army chief. No one is being removed, just enjoy spicy news.

zubair a Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Army should not take over it's not right time for them to take over, in the mean time Army cheif sould tell govt to fire all NRO people and tell Judges to stat investigation Loan's write off scam from 1973 still 2010. Where is Mr.Nasar Ahmed Ch who talk to much about transparancy as head of a commitee should go to Superme court and file a case about those loan write off since 1973, furthermore who give State bank of Pakistan the right to write off all rich people loan. PPP should get ride of Mr.Zardari he is not good and not good for pakistan eighter.

mussarat Hussain | 14 years ago | Reply Honorable and respected army chief should have also asked general musharraf (RETIRED) for ousting corrupt. What made him quite that time ?. As much as I know being a government servant and senior journalist, bunch of the cabinet ministers of Mush governmnet and even Mush was himself involved in "massive financial bungling". Mush had "gun" while Shaukat Aziz was a financial wizard to feed "departing lion" who ;plundered national exechequer without any let and hindrance. I am happy the soft-spoken honorable army chief is eager to continue democracy in the country because any adventure at this critical stage will reverse the whole system when international community hardly trust pakistani leadership in term of foreign aid that has been allegedly misused and still unaccessible to flood affectees across the country. Meanwhile, Mr.Zardari should also take drastice measures to enforce massive financial management in the country to bring nation out of onging psychological trauma that has plunged nation into abject poverty. Lastly, I congratulate Mr.Mush for launching new political party. Unfortunately, the former President has no pollitical acumen, he just want to grab power by hook and crook. We have seen "Tragic End" of mighty alliances like Pakistan National Alliance, (PNA)., Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad (IJI), Mutahhida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA), sorry I call it "Mulla Military Alliance", all hefty alliances ended up in a fiasco without achieving any positive results except inviting army's interference and adding to disgrace of Pakistan, that's it. If Mush is really that much "restive"and shedding crocodile's tears to change destiny of the nation, he should dashed pakistan with the first available flight to test his muscles. Sir, politics is entire different than "colorful musical evenings and nocturnal activities" Me Lord. Mussarat Hussain Washington DC

Babruk | 14 years ago | Reply bas as it is for politicians to be corrupt, but who gives the coas to give orders to the civilian govt. these power greedy generals have appropriated the whole of Pakistan to themself and have earned a bad name for the Pak army.

Shani Syed | 14 years ago | Reply The welfare of people is the prime interest bcoz if there are no Pakistanis there shall be no Pakistan.... the point is the army is bcoz of Pakistan n therefore safeguarding the rights of people of pakistan along with safe guarding the border is in the interest of the army... Good work Kiyani Sahab, you have silently always taken bold steps we admire you being away from politics yet have a hold on the politicians esp those who are corrupt and those who abrogate the supreme courts orders... well done! One more thing I would like to share with you all regarding the NATO killings of Pakistani soldiers as per the report of the DAILY JUNG 2nd OCT news and I qoute " COAS Mr. Kiyani has stated that the strike on FATA by the NATO and the ISAF is an attack on PAKISTAN" He has called Peterson and Mollen saying that We will not cooperate with the NATO forces till we receive a detailed explaination" CAOS has also called back our forces frm PAk afghan border. We respect your decision sir and beleive you shall always act in the interest of Pakistan. We sleep peacefully because you are there protecting our borders May Allah keep you in His Aman Ameen May Alalh protect PAksitan frm all evils Ameen PAK Fauj Zindabad

Adnan Aziz Ahmed | 14 years ago | Reply @Anoop Everyone knows India is the world's biggest democratic farce, run by a coterie of corrupt, inept politicians whose sole aim is to perpetuate an iniquitous political system where an archaic caste system thrives at the core and where the rich get richer and the poor, poorer. The legislatures in India are full of muderers, gangsters and tax evaders who have purchased votes to gain power. The country is politcally bankrupt and is obsessed with political dynasties- Who are you trying to fool? Even after 60 years, you still cant get over the fact that Pakistan is a strong, prosperous and independent state that can meet any challenge that India or any of its adversaries throws at it. Sure, we have our problems like any other country but each time, we have faced a crisis, we have emerged stronger and more united- you only have to look at the phenomenal response from civil society and the armed forces to the massive devastation of the floods, to understand what we Pakistanis are made of! And yes, we do know what the army chief's job is- thank you very much: to defend our borders against a possible misadventure by a belligerent neighbour that fantasises about becoming a super-power and challenging China. And in case youre wondering, he reports to a Prime Minister who heads a democratically elected government, flawed though it may be, which does actually govern, formulate policies, make laws and strives for the betterment of the Pakistani people. Indeed, you might ask yourself what your army chief does: I suspect his main preoccupation is overseeing the 700,000 Indian troops in occupied Kashmir and the brutal suppression of the democratic rights of the Kashmiri people for the past 60 years. That and the handing out of medals to 'brave' Indian soldiers for acts of 'heroism' in fake gun-battles.

SA Chaudhary | 14 years ago | Reply The advice of COAS, as it appears on the media, is not bad. The Hon'ble Supreme Court of Pakistan had already expressed its views about those elements but the PPP government is lingering on the matter on one pretext or the other. The matter relating to those elements is also pending adjudication before the court and advice at such a time has got much importance. The people of Pakistan will welcome democratic change. The people who are ruling us know very well as to how long they would betray the confidence of the people of Pakistan and the people would not spare them any more. SA Chaudhary

Irshad Salim | 14 years ago | Reply Lawful and political changes within the ambit of a democratic dispensation should always be welcomed. We the people and the nation also need to differentiate between a democratic system which is generic and permanent, and a democratically elected government which is time specific (5 yrs in Pakistan). We are all for the democratic system unquestionably. We however reserve the right to question, criticize and expect changes in the functioning of a democratically elected govt so that the "democratic process" is not derailed.

Anoop | 14 years ago | Reply Coming from India this is astonishing for me that an Army Chief is telling the Political leaders how to do their work! He would have been kicked out unceremoniously the next day, if it had happened in India. I knew the 3 year extension for Kayani was a bad idea. After all the political and economic mismanagement during the past 9 years when the Army ruled, it has the nerve to ask the Political leaders to clean up their act! For all the people who are asking for change, you have to realize the problem is structural than individual. Army chief's job is to manage the Army resources and protect the borders. Politicians might be corrupt but Pakistanis chose them. So stick with them till they finish their term.

anwaarahmad | 14 years ago | Reply If there is some clean minister in the present cabinet,he must ask General Kiyani to remove 3-5 generals having shaddy businesses and living beyond means.

Mohammad Ibrahim | 14 years ago | Reply It is necessary to curtail the long queue of cabinet ministers to spare the national expenditure but to do it on the instance of a mighty general is against the true spirit of democracy. I do agree that our politicians lack aptitude but it never justifies the dictation of any powerful person in uniform. Pakistan's woes are often multiplied when one of those power hungry general has played the dirty game of politics. Mr Kiyani in his outlook and reputation never seems to indulge in such practice. The nation as well as the elected govt has posed confidence in him.

Gangly Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Army people are not angels. They are sinful like us. In the past they could not eradicate corruption except flogging poor people. They ruled the country and made wealth with the support of politicians. Remember generals, bureaucrats, politicians, judges and industrialist are son of one father. They have been promoting interest of each other since creation of Pakistan. Coup by army will not be in advantage of the country. Yes it will be in the interest of Pentagon who is currently running our state and army affairs. Here in our country elections are not fair. Always they are manged by intelligence agencies who manipulate them in favor of their blue eyed.

Saeed Islahi | 14 years ago | Reply Mr.Zardari like a domestic parrot repeats his wife's claim that democracy is the best revenge.I think General agrees with him.Hence, Mr.Zardari, his PM and his ministers and their family members and their partners of all shades and parties are busy in denuding people of Pakistan of whatever they are left with after the last outgoing regime and a rgimes earlier etc..did this to them. It is the people of Pakistan who have voted ( though in minority) for thieves and thugs and they deserve to revenged. Saeed Islahi

Palvasha von Hassell | 14 years ago | Reply Good comment, Ahad. Corruption is the main reason the Pakistani government is treated with such suspicion abroad.

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 14 years ago | Reply I read it. Seems to be a planted story just to know the opinion of the masses. These stories do appear time and again in foreign news papers, specially published from USA or UK. These news are immediately picked up by our monkey media persons which thinks that this is something god said. It is always advisable to get it confirmed from the concerned quarters before printing these thrash stories on the front pages of our news outlets. If even it carries any gram of weight then what keeps him so frightened to hide this so valuable source. Open up.

Abdul Rahman Khan | 14 years ago | Reply Instead of removing 'chalees chor' just remove 'Ali Baba'. After removal of 'Ali ,Baba', 'chalees chor' will automatically disappear from the scene and the nation will heave a big sigh.

Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply @ Mir: If they are scared then they have no right to rule. But if they are scared of military might then they must realize. @ Madeha: This practice can be disastrous for the army as an institution, and will do no good to an already fragile polity.

T. Ali | 14 years ago | Reply The PPP government must initiate reforms from within to rid itself of corrupt cronies, provide transparency and arrest inflation through good governance. It has lost public support because of its own follies and selection of controversial cronies that filtered feedback, essential to retain vital public support, which is the backbone of a democratic poltical system. Either the PPP must deliver through immediate remedial measures, or else it will fade out. Democratic governments derive strength from masses not from cronies or patching together a coalition of parties that are poles apart in their manifestos.

saeed | 14 years ago | Reply Can a Subordinate ask his Boss to do or not to do certain acts/things ? if yes , under what authority ? Just want to remind one thing more ! Who was the main Negotiator for Mushrraf at the time of promulgating the infamous NRO ? Yes u r right ! It was None other then the Holy POPE "General Kiani"

Sajjad Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Asalam o allaikum!!!! Please don't start talking against the army or suggesting ishfaq pervez kiyani to be limited to the baracks on the basis of this report. For heaven sake its just a report and has not been confirmed by the president, the PM or the general. So please avoid comments that are insulting for army. When ever something happens some idiots start saying be limited to baracks and this and that withou hesitation. Again i say it has not been confirmed yet. Don't believe in a british citizens who you dont even know thank you

KM | 14 years ago | Reply A good advice coming in from anywhere is most welcome. After all, if the general is taking a stance, it is in the most desireable interest of the country. It would be a shame if someone is giving a good advice, and people snub it out of an aura that its the general. Remember this nation has shown that the general can exercise far more power than just advising. So please kick out the corrupt loosers, and no doubt the nation stands with those who are serious about pakistan, and certainly not raping it.

Madeha Farooq | 14 years ago | Reply Yeah good job Kiyani !!!! @Qazi: What do you want the ppl would die from hunger and army stay at border and we even have politician back from India and Israel working to divide this country but army should stay away out of it. Army is the stakeholder as much as civilian are !!!!

Kamran | 14 years ago | Reply I had often wondered what precisely did Altaf Hussain meant when he said "Give patriotic generals a chance." Distinction made on the basis of good politician vs bad politician should also be applied in army as well.

Muhib Hussain Pirzado | 14 years ago | Reply Indeed President and the PM must realize that they draw power from people and not from army and there is socalled rising public impatience with the government’s dealing as this is issue of political actors who are against the rule of the people of Pakistan. Those political actors are the elements which are B team of establishment like all Muslim Leagues except Nawaz, MQM and some of mediamen with the support of some judiciary. We are voters of this elected government and they are doing well, there is no public impatience on issues said in the report. we had not as much hopes as after the assasination of BB, we just voted her party because of her personality and manifesto and COD. all is well, although betterment is ever required.

ADE | 14 years ago | Reply It seems the COAS only knows how to indulge in politics..not in protecting the country's frontiers, his actual job.

Mir | 14 years ago | Reply @Qazi.. The President and Prime Minister realize that .. That is why they are scared ..

Ahad | 14 years ago | Reply An elected government like the present PPP led coalition derives its power from the people who voted for them, so that the elected govt could serve them. Instead of providing welfare through transparent good governance, this regime has in collaboration with various cartels ended up yielding a bonanza for business tycoons owning sugar, cement etc to the detriment of the masses. The Pakistani rupee has been devalued because of poor monetary policy such as printing excess currency notes, leading to inflation. Corruption by the cronies of this regime in Pak Steel Mills, PIA, NBP, NHA, NIC, PASSCO, Railways etc has cost the exchequer billions, which could have been spent on education and health. Not a single individual involved in hoarding,of goods, cartelisation and corruption has been convicted or even been arrested. It is the poor governance by a government which has relied on uneducated corrupt cronies, that has led to the PPP's fall from grace. The regime has to either be seen making amends by getting rid of all its corrupt cronies, respect laws and take steps to bring back the looted money, or else face the wrath of an angry nation, that had voted for them. To start with it must respect the rulings of Supreme Court of Pakistan. Democratic governments survive on their performance, but if they consider being elected a license to rule like monarchs, than they invite trouble. .

Saad | 14 years ago | Reply The incompetence of the government is there and they are so hesitant to take a strong decision on any matter, but that shouldn't lead to an other adventure by the army. No matter how weak the government is, it should complete it tenure. Army has no right to come to politics and try to govern the country again - which will be disasterous. . For the governmnet, it should come out of it's shell of thinking that they will fall and that the military will take over. People are behind the political leaders and they just need to deliver without any worry or fear. The PM needs to take on a more proactive role then just defending the president, which is right, but shouldn't be the case that all the time is spent on it. . President is a part of the political process, head of the state and no matter what charges are there against him, he can't be reomved as to the wishes of some fanatics. He has to be respected as the elected president by the parliment.

Amanat ali | 14 years ago | Reply Kiyani sb should intervene and force the Govt to kick out the corrupt minister, advisors and others and also to registered cases against these thieves. The main issue is to recover the looted wealth and also punishment for the future. There is only single force who can direct the corrupt leadership and that is Army.Kiyani sb should act as a loyal pakistani and do something better for the peoples.

Ahmer Ali | 14 years ago | Reply Assalam-o-Allaikum Warahmatullah.Now time has come to change the current Pakistani political instability and to remove the corrupt and NRO certified politician and leadership to regain the lost trust and credibility in the world's eyes and for the best,true and transparent face of democracy it is President Zardari's first and foremost duty to fully co-operate with COAS so that the present democratic setup could complete its 5 years' tenure sans any hindrance in Pakistan and Pakistani nation could live peacefully and trouble-free and without difficulties in the form of expensiveness,insecurity,hunger and poverty and to regain foreign investment which has gone back and to boost up Pakistani economy in its full swing.

Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply The President and the PM must realize that they draw power from people and not from army.

Qazi | 14 years ago | Reply Genral Kayani must confine himself to the barracks. It is good for the political process and best for the army.

Anthony Mitchell | 14 years ago | Reply Names please?

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