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3 Year Extension for COAS Pakistan

Extension may seem to be a sell-out if SC invokes Article 191

Saturday, July 24, 2010
Kayani has great pluses

By Ikram Sehgal

In a dramatic late night announcement by the prime minister on July 22, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani was given an extension as COAS for three years from the date his present term expires on November 29, 2010. By some coincidence in my article last Thursday, I had said: “A new COAS of the Pakistan Army must be promoted. It would be severely disappointing if Kayani accepted the offer of extension being dangled in front of him. He hasan image that would suffer for posterity. If he cannot be C-in-C, Kayani should refuse an extension in the Waheed Kakar tradition”.

While continuation of his service in the military state of affairs of the Pakistan Armed Forces is certainly correct, the way it has been rushed through is somewhat mystifying, and if he cannot be C-in-C as expected in a phased transition, it will be certainly disappointing. That would very much look like a sell out!

The article, ‘On Extensions and Expectations’ on July 22, 2010, had further continued: “For some weeks now speculation is rife that Kayani, whose term as COAS expires in four months almost to the day, will get a two-year extension. Normally one talks about a one-year extension or the full term, the two-years period seems to be a trial balloon. The public is being conditioned (psy-war technique) to the common belief is that this may likely become a fact”.

Kayani’s has great pluses, viz, he has: (1) restored the morale and confidence of the Pakistan Army, the one entity that holds Pakistan together, (2) sustained the present democratic process, being run presently by civilians as a dictatorship in contrast to Musharraf’s military dictatorship, which to give him his just due, was being run by him more or less as a democracy, and last but most important, (3) won the confidence of the US and other western powers by his professionalism while not allowing the Pakistan Army to be used as a mercenary force (as was being done circa 2003-2007). The ongoing war, the availing geo-political circumstances, and his track record dealing with foreign powers makes Kayani much needed. The respect he commands among all ranks of the Armed Forces as well as the nation’s citizens must take the continuity factor onto a higher and different plane. As per Murphy’s Law: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

More importantly he has acquired the prestige to make combined Services a fighting reality. Instead of having a titular head of the Armed Forces as Chairman JCSC, make Kayani the executive head sitting in GHQ as ‘Commander-in-Chief’ (C-in-C) of all the three Services, unquote.

Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has remade the Pakistan Army in many ways more than one besides restoring the esteem that the Army was held in by the citizens of the country, and restoring the morale and self-confidence of its rank and file.

One of first acts was to re-call several hundred Army officers ‘on deputation’ in civil services where they had no reason to be, and the military’s intelligence services were not allowed to interfere in the 2007 elections. This set the stage for the Army to get out of politics.

He oversaw a peaceful transition (with dignity) of Gen Musharraf out of the office of Presidency (and with some difficulty out of the Army House), and stayed neutral in the subsequent process of electing the new President.

Kayani has focused on soldier’s welfare and a return to professionalism. COIN training was carried out indigenously on a crash basis before taking soldiers into battle, a peacetime ceremonial outfit was converted into a mean military machine, observers far and wide have been amazed by the effectiveness of the subsequent COIN campaign.

Our young men in uniform in Swat and SWA suffered meaningful deaths, their Shahadats amounted for something. Kayani gently nudged the government into restoring the superior judiciary in the face of the ‘Long March’. Kayani’s many successes have not gone to his head, instead of ‘Napoleonic’ tendencies, he remains committed to democracy, even a multi-flawed inherently corrupt one like ours. His will be a difficult act to follow!

Given four months to the countdown on Nov 27, 2010 and the machinations that could have happened in the interim, there is no doubt there was uncertainty - and in that uncertainty - rampant speculation. Obviously this was not good, either for the Army and/or the relentless military campaign against militants that it was engaged in.

The rumour mill had to bring to a stop. To that end the early announcement is correct, one can disagree about the way it was announced, and the fact that it may have been dictated not by circumstances but by political expediency.

There has to be a quid pro quo, what will it be? It is not a secret that the Supreme Court (SC) orders are being flouted at will, who can they turn to if they have to invoke Article 191? The extension will than be seem as a sell-out.

The person of Kayani must seem to be synonymous with conscience instead of pragmatism, unfortunately that has a sorry track record with most of us. Some things cannot be kept secret, the whole process that was followed will eventually come to light. One fears that it will be disappointing of there have been any compromises made or promised, one would not like to see Kayani having feet of clay.

As far back as 18 years ago in 1992, in my article ‘Unified Command’, I had suggested that at least Three (and up to Six) Commands should be created. To quote, “Given all the requirements, the suggestions for the organisation of Command are, viz, (1) Northern Command including AK, Northern Areas and all areas within Chenab River and the Indus, (2) Eastern Command between Chenab and the Sutlej, (3) Central Command including Sutlej but excluding Sukkur, (4) Southern Command including Sukkur, Hyderabad and Badin but excluding Karachi and the Coastal area, (5) Coastal Command to include Karachi and Pakistan’s coastal areas, and (6) Western Command to include all areas of Balochistan and NWFP bounded to the east by the Indus, in a war with India it forms the Country’s Strategic Reserve. Corps formations must exist in only those critical areas which we must defend, in AK (two Corps), Lahore and Sialkot (one Corps each), Rahimyar Khan-Pano Aqil belt (one Corps) and Chor-Umerkot-Nabisar-Badin (one Corps), the rest of the Army should be grouped into Brigade-sized Task Forces (Divisional sized only when specifically required) within respective Commands supported by commensurate Air Force elements as well as Artillery and Anti-Aircraft Divisions in addition to their integral supporting arms, e.g. artillery, armour etc. Both Central and Southern Commands should each have Brigade-sized Long Range Desert Groups (LRDGs), fully mechanised and desert-mobile with camel-mounted ancillary troops.

The Army and Air Force must be under command of the Naval effort in the Coastal Command. It must be understood clearly that in the first stage of the war, the PAF will remain under its own central authority, the Chief of Air Staff, to fight the battle for air superiority. The choice of the man to head this new concept of Unified Command becomes important, given the fact we cannot afford to experiment.

Media speculations about promotions in the Armed Forces are usually counter-productive to the national interest. They may be labelled ‘creative’ journalism, it is more pertinent as creation of sensationalism with or without motive, unquote.

The extension given to Kayani may be to an individual, but it could ensure a smooth transition to a combined services entity as an institution. The telltale indication will be when the senior-most after Kayani, Lt Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne, presently Chief of General Staff (CGS) and a quiet self-effacing professional, is promoted to four-star rank in a newly created Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) slot.

This along with creation of more Commands (the number may reduce now to three or four in light of changed geo-political circumstances, in particular the present war along the western front) would calm the aspirations of those who would feel frustrated by the blocking of promotions that has certainly resulted by giving Kayani the renewed term as COAS.

Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman may well become the Chairman JCSC when Tariq Majeed retires. Kayani and Suleman have worked well together in forging a close Army-PAF relationship in the COIN operations, and the PAF Chief very clearly looks up to the COAS. The media has reported that Lt Gen (R) Athar Ali, Secretary Defence, may be given a two-year extension. Nominally senior to Kayani in the Army before he retired, Athar had a professional reputation as a soldier.

To ensure the anticipated ‘C-in-C’ arrangement becomes functional, in whatever name yet to be finalised, Athar’s continuation as Secretary Defence Ministry becomes a necessity. The present arrangement does mean that eventually Kayani will become de-facto C-in-C in all but name. Kayani’s extension may be as a COAS, what we may actually have is a ‘C-in-C’ in place, in all but name. Therefore let’s call it a mixed blessing, this ‘extension’ could well be a necessary camouflage for the phased transition to what should be a reality, a Unified Command.
 
"Merey Behno aur Bhaiyo" of civilian written speech -vs- "Meray Hamwatanoo" of military writer's speech...

& PM wearing glasses instead of using his typical large-font transcript...

These r the Qs raised by Shahid Masood & others agreed that this speech was made under duress...

 
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Experts say Army Act may have to be amended
Confusion over Kayani’s extension continues

Saturday, July 24, 2010
By Ahmad Noorani

ISLAMABAD: As the Ministry of Defence issued formal notification of extension of service of General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani as army chief for another 3-year tenure, there was still immense confusion about the laws and rules under which the step had been taken by the government.

The notification late on Friday night also appeared to have been issued in a hurry and without giving proper attention to it, as it contained a factual error of dates stating that General Kayani had been given another tenure from 29 November, 2010 to 29 November, 2013. If properly done it would have been 28 November, 2013 as on the 29th the 4th year of his tenure would begin.

According to a top legal expert, the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 does not provide for such an extension and other experts agree that for a full second term the rules and laws will have to be amended by the government, either through an ordinance, if the Army Act has to be changed, or through an executive order if rules have to be amended.

According to the relevant experts, the rules of business allow an extension of one year for one time and in unavoidable circumstances for another term. For a complete appointment of full tenure, office rules need to be amended which have not been done, at least so far. Legal and constitutional expert SM Zafar said the extension seemed to be a fresh appointment as known rules do not allow another three-year extension.


The brief notification did not mention any rule. Spokesman of the Defence Ministry Akhtar Munir, after issuing the notification, said such notifications never mention the rules but are always issued in accordance with some rule.

“I don’t know about the exact rules but there will be some rule under which this has been done,” the spokesman said. Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG-ISPR) Maj Gen Athar Abbas while talking to The News said as the notification of extension of three years service will be issued by the Prime Minister Secretariat so that forum should be contacted.

To a question under which rules the general had been given an extension for three years, the DG-ISPR replied that General Kayani has been given a full term extension and the tenure of full term is three years. “The rules could be verified from the PM Secretariat,” he said.

Press Secretary to the Prime Minister Shabbir Anwar, when approached by The News, said notification for extension of tenure of COAS will be issued by the ministry of defence. When asked what was the role of the prime minister in this episode Shabbir replied that the prime minister has to give his approval which he has already given.
 
According to the relevant experts, the rules of business allow an extension of one year for one time and in unavoidable circumstances for another term

the country is in a state-of-war which translates to 'in unavoidable circumstances' - QED.
 
Gen Hamid Gul Stated , If Kiani didnt had accepted this extention then this would have been better for the overall health of the Org !!

H/Gul is a 'spent' bullet and not much admired in the army.
 
^^best op-ed so far !!!
nice read sparklingway!:pakistan:
s/Nawaz was my senior in school (St.Marys)
 
Kayani's extension

Saturday, July 24, 2010

The extension granted to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who had been due to retire at the end of November this year, will have created disquiet among militant outfits based in the north. There had been speculation that some of these groups were hoping the exit of General Kayani would mark a relaxation in the fierce onslaught launched against extremists since early 2009 – with the military action for the first time raising hope that the Taliban forces could indeed be defeated. General Kayani's determined offensive has won him praise from across the world. It has also been instrumental in persuading nations to adopt a 'softer' approach towards Pakistan and convincing them that this change merits assistance in the form of cash and projects intended to facilitate development. The announcement made by the prime minister, in a three-minute address to the nation, had as such not been entirely unexpected. There had been conjecture for some time that General Kayani – who would otherwise have served a shortened term in office because of the prolonged time spent as army chief by his predecessor General Musharraf – would indeed be granted an extension. As anticipated, national security interests have been cited by the PM as the key factor in the decision.

However, nothing in our country's politics is thought quite as simple as it seems. The long history of military rule means the extension takes on a somewhat mixed hue. It may appear in some ways to be a further relegation of authority to the military by the government. Some say the COAS had indeed been seeking just such an extension, or even that there was a threat to the government if this was not granted. The truth behind these rumours -- and they are rumours -- is impossible to establish – but the fact that they exist is disquieting in the context of democracy and the need to strengthen it. If Pakistan is to find the political stability it so desperately seeks it is important for the role of the military to be reduced as far as politics go. It is, of course, a fact that General Kayani has been trying to do just this. He has tried to ensure that the military's role remains that of a purely professional body. But even so, speculation cannot be stopped. What is important is that our institutions learn to co-exist and function cohesively together. They have consistently struggled to do so. General Kayani has been making a valiant effort to put the military's role back on track. We must hope he can succeed in this, so that by the end of 2013 Pakistan can emerge as a country with a brighter future in front of it.
 
EDITORIAL: A season for extensions

Prime Minister Gilani addressed the nation late night on Thursday for less than three minutes but made an announcement that kept everyone glued to their television screens. The prime minister, after consultations with President Zardari, gave a three-year extension to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani. This did not come as a surprise to many who were already expecting that the government would stick with General Kayani rather than bringing in a new army chief at this point when our armed forces are engaged in an intense battle against the terrorists. There had been a review going on within the power corridors, both at the governmental level and consultations with the military top brass. To quell speculation, which could have led to uncertainty within the military quarters, the government decided to announce its decision sooner rather than later. This is an unprecedented length of extension, virtually another tenure. The interesting aspect of this extension is that General Kayani’s term ends in 2013, the same year when the tenure of the current government and Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry also comes to an end. Prime Minister Gilani also made a reference to this fact in a press conference yesterday. The coincidence seems significant.

Extensions in the army are a rare occurrence, especially that of an army chief, unless he gives one to himself as in the case of Ayub Khan, Ziaul Haq and Musharraf when they were in power. General Kayani is the second army chief to be given an extension by a civilian government, the first being Ayub Khan — the difference being that Iskandar Mirza’s government was not a democratically elected one. The inherent problem with extensions is that it tends to block other people’s career prospects — in this case some dozen other generals’ chances of becoming the army chief — and causes heartburn. Given the discipline of the army, this heartburn may not translate into anything substantive but a possibility of resignation(s) cannot be ruled out. Back in the 90s when General Musharraf superseded his senior officers and was made the army chief, General Ali Kuli Khan resigned. This time we would have to wait and see if any resignations occur.

Prime Minister Gilani cited “[Kayani’s] effective role in the war against terrorism and in the enforcement of rule of law in the country” as the reason for this extension. It is true that changing horses midstream, when perhaps we have entered the most difficult phase of this war against terrorism, would not have been wise. After successful military operations in Swat and South Waziristan and a few other successes, now is the time to make sure that these areas remain peaceful. The civilian dispensation has not yet taken full control of these areas. Thus the ability of the army to conduct mopping up and offensive operations stands compromised to some extent. General Kayani’s ‘successful’ command should not therefore be prematurely mistaken for final success.

Another reason for this extension could be that so far General Kayani has not shown any inclination towards the army’s past penchant for upsetting the democratic applecart. If anything, he has supported continuance of the democratic dispensation. Therefore, without any disrespect to any expectant, the consideration must have been that General Kayani’s track record inspires confidence. Another important factor is General Kayani’s good equation with the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan. They have reposed a lot of confidence in his counter-insurgency efforts, further sealing his credentials as the man of the hour. Though extended tenures generally have the unnerving tendency to go to people’s heads, so far this does not seem a high risk as far as General Kayani’s professionalism is concerned.

Daily Times - Leading News Resource of Pakistan

they are sing'in the tunes!!!
 
Dawn's editorials usually resonate what we term as the establishment line. However, today it is slightly ambiguous as the editor is not very happy with the idea of an extension even though the editorial time have time and again expressed their likeness for Kayani.

A second term for Gen Kayani
Dawn Editorial - July 24, 2010

IT was the worst-kept secret in the country: Prime Minister Gilani’s announcement that army chief Gen Kayani is to be granted an extension in service came as a surprise to no one. The only thing that could be termed a little surprising was the length of the extension. Gen Kayani has effectively been handed a second three-year term, instead of a shorter extension. At this point, with the army’s strategy in the fight against militancy not as transparent as could be hoped for, it is difficult to comment on what Gen Kayani’s extension will mean for the specifics of that war. However, while there should be no doubt that winning the war against the militants is essential to the survival of this country as we know it, Gen Kayani’s extension must not be seen only through that prism.

Like it or not, the extension does not reflect well on the army as an institution. It is almost an article of faith that the Pakistan Army is the only viable, strong and vibrant institution in the country. Whatever Gen Kayani’s intimate familiarity with the present state of affairs and whatever his unique understanding of the situation, a strong institution should be able to withstand the retirement of one man, however experienced. A compelling example of institutional concerns coming before individuals was provided recently by the US, where the architect of the present American counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan was replaced. This in the middle of a war that is by all accounts going badly for the US. Here in Pakistan, the public is constantly told that the internal security situation has improved, that the TTP is on the back foot, that progress, while slow, is real and meaningful.

If it seems difficult to reconcile the idea of a strong institution having depth in talent and leadership with the ‘indispensability’ of a single man, then that’s because it truly is. Step back from the specifics of the present case and consider this: why does the principle of a regular change in leadership of the army even exist? It is not simply to give another general a go at the top slot. Regular, scheduled changes in leadership are in fact meant to keep institutions vibrant and strong. That there are ‘special circumstances’ at the present time is not fully convincing either. Externally, the uncertainty in Afghanistan, the intransigence of India, the unpredictability of the Americans — all these circumstances have existed before, and the country has survived them. Internally, the fight against militancy is going to be a long, hard slog, the public is constantly told, with many years or perhaps even a decade and a half needed to see out the threat. How does a three-year extension affect that long-term course? Lest we forget, it was just a few years ago that another general believed in his indispensability and trampled over the constitution for a second time, and yet, here the country is still surviving, perhaps even better off since the dark days of Gen Musharraf’s drawnout exit.

Having said that, it is the decision of a democratically elected government to hand Gen Kayani his three-year extension. The public does not know yet, perhaps it never will, if the decision was a total capitulation or the result of a quid pro quo. Nevertheless, the government’s decision stands as a legal and effective one and should be accepted as such. Therefore, we wish Gen Kayani success in his second term and take this chance to remind him of the oath he has taken under the constitution. “I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan and uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which embodies the will of the people, that I will not engage myself in any political activities whatsoever and that I will honestly and faithfully serve Pakistan in the Pakistan Army as required by and under the law.”
 
Dawn's editorials usually resonate what we term as the establishment line. However, today it is slightly ambiguous as the editor is not very happy with the idea of an extension even though the editorial time have time and again expressed their likeness for Kayani.

A second term for Gen Kayani
Dawn Editorial - July 24, 2010

IT was the worst-kept secret in the country: Prime Minister Gilani’s announcement that army chief Gen Kayani is to be granted an extension in service came as a surprise to no one. The only thing that could be termed a little surprising was the length of the extension. Gen Kayani has effectively been handed a second three-year term, instead of a shorter extension. At this point, with the army’s strategy in the fight against militancy not as transparent as could be hoped for, it is difficult to comment on what Gen Kayani’s extension will mean for the specifics of that war. However, while there should be no doubt that winning the war against the militants is essential to the survival of this country as we know it, Gen Kayani’s extension must not be seen only through that prism.

Like it or not, the extension does not reflect well on the army as an institution. It is almost an article of faith that the Pakistan Army is the only viable, strong and vibrant institution in the country. Whatever Gen Kayani’s intimate familiarity with the present state of affairs and whatever his unique understanding of the situation, a strong institution should be able to withstand the retirement of one man, however experienced. A compelling example of institutional concerns coming before individuals was provided recently by the US, where the architect of the present American counter-insurgency strategy in Afghanistan was replaced. This in the middle of a war that is by all accounts going badly for the US. Here in Pakistan, the public is constantly told that the internal security situation has improved, that the TTP is on the back foot, that progress, while slow, is real and meaningful.

If it seems difficult to reconcile the idea of a strong institution having depth in talent and leadership with the ‘indispensability’ of a single man, then that’s because it truly is. Step back from the specifics of the present case and consider this: why does the principle of a regular change in leadership of the army even exist? It is not simply to give another general a go at the top slot. Regular, scheduled changes in leadership are in fact meant to keep institutions vibrant and strong. That there are ‘special circumstances’ at the present time is not fully convincing either. Externally, the uncertainty in Afghanistan, the intransigence of India, the unpredictability of the Americans — all these circumstances have existed before, and the country has survived them. Internally, the fight against militancy is going to be a long, hard slog, the public is constantly told, with many years or perhaps even a decade and a half needed to see out the threat. How does a three-year extension affect that long-term course? Lest we forget, it was just a few years ago that another general believed in his indispensability and trampled over the constitution for a second time, and yet, here the country is still surviving, perhaps even better off since the dark days of Gen Musharraf’s drawnout exit.

Having said that, it is the decision of a democratically elected government to hand Gen Kayani his three-year extension. The public does not know yet, perhaps it never will, if the decision was a total capitulation or the result of a quid pro quo. Nevertheless, the government’s decision stands as a legal and effective one and should be accepted as such. Therefore, we wish Gen Kayani success in his second term and take this chance to remind him of the oath he has taken under the constitution. “I do solemnly swear that I will bear true faith and allegiance to Pakistan and uphold the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan which embodies the will of the people, that I will not engage myself in any political activities whatsoever and that I will honestly and faithfully serve Pakistan in the Pakistan Army as required by and under the law.”

maybe influenced by our indomitable Kamran Shafi - the last of the 'pucca sahibs" !!!

---------- Post added at 11:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:55 AM ----------

Democratic process at stake with extension of COAS: Asma

Staff Report

LAHORE: Human rights activist and renowned lawyer, Asma Jahangir, has expressed concerns over the extension in job given to Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani by the government.

In a press statement on Friday, she termed the phenomenon a disappointing measure, saying to her the democratic process in the country is weak. Asma Jahangir further said that “our 63 years of history is evident that every general damaged the democratic process” whenever he was given a promotion or extension in his job

or her!!!
 
This is a bad news for the bad boys that COAS has his tenure extended. Gen. Petraeus specially requested Pres Obama that he liked to have Gen Kayani as his working partner for the mission in Afghanistan to be a success. We will see intensified operation in 8 weeks time.
 
Army must influence govt to ensure survival of state, says Mubashir Hasan

LAHORE: The Pakistan Army must use its influence with the government to ensure the survival of the state in Pakistan, which has completely collapsed and has become a slave of the ruling elite, PPP-SB Punjab President Dr Mubashir Hasan said on Friday. “Around 170 million people go hungry everyday, they are without proper education, healthcare, homes, electricity, safe drinking water and self respect and their suffering is increasing daily on account of rising prices. They need jobs and more jobs. These are the most urgent and emergent needs,” he said. “It is not an invitation to the army to take over, what is meant is that it should use its influence for social and economic causes just as it uses for the cause of national security,” the PPP-SB Punjab president said. He said take-overs by military dictators played havoc with the destiny of Pakistan. The present deteriorating situation would require the army and police to stop a general uprising, which would endanger the security of the borders. He said the elected politicians had miserably failed and the army had protected their failures. “The situation is so bad that unless steps in the right direction are taken, the challenges of momentous tragic events that Pakistan can face will not even be met by the army and the Supreme Court,” he said. staff report
 
Dr. Mubashir Hasan is a sincere patriot. However, the fall out with ZAB and the '80s especially have made him a cynic (more than what we normally are). I respect what he says, but nobody pays attention to it anymore.
 

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