The video game

The army chief’s orders to investigate the video comes, according to reports, as a result of pressure from Washington.

The army chief’s orders to investigate the video evidently showing the execution of six men in Swat by soldiers comes, according to reports, as a result of pressure from Washington.  The order is welcome and was a measure that we had asked for in this very space a week or so ago. Let’s not, however, forget that American personnel in military uniform have been guilty of all kinds of abuses in Iraq and Afghanistan. Perhaps the US should focus on putting its own house in order rather than demanding others do so.

Having said that, it is important that the video be investigated. As with so much of the material that turns up in cyberspace, it is not possible for now to ascertain its authenticity. Modern technology allows all kinds of forgery. The army has denied that its men were involved in the events; human rights groups say summary executions have taken place in Swat. Many are anxious to know what really happened.

The matter puts the people of Pakistan face to face with its military. There have been many past accusations of violations of rights by the military. Few have been proven. Cases of executions of the kind witnessed in Swat are rare, but this has been at times disputed by local residents who say that at the very least beatings are common. This, teamed with the feeling that the army enjoys all kinds of privileges denied to ordinary citizens builds up resentment. In its most acute form this is felt in Balochistan where mistrust for the military runs high. The last thing we need is for such feelings to spread to other parts of the country.  This would be particularly dangerous in an area like Swat where the tradition of militancy is strongly rooted. The army must demonstrate to people that it is a force to be relied on rather than one to be feared. The inquiry ordered by General Kayani should aim to address the concerns of the people of Pakistan, rather than any foreign power. No cover up should be attempted. Uncovering the truth could help the army improve its relations with people, gain respect in their eyes and also set standards for others to follow.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2010.