People criticizing the extension in term of COAS General Kayani perhaps forget that Pakistan is in a state of war. Military history is full of examples where a change in command during an ongoing war produced disastrous results. Though most people seem to agree that Kayani should have been given extension, the criticism has mostly fallen on the duration – three years. It may seem to be a lot, but such is the state of affairs. The war we are fighting is in it’s critical stages.
I agree with people who put institutions before personality cults, but even army’s staunchest critics admit General Kayani’s achievements. Why not make the most of such a man’s leadership at a time when it is most required?
I agree that a three year extension will deny at least one or two generals their rightful place, but I don’t think that is such a big price to be paid at this point in time. Those who claim that Kayani should have set a precedent for the future by rejecting the offer like Kakar are right in their place.
But what will it achieve? Will it ensure army’s institutional progress? Will it guarantee against army’s political ambitions? I don’t think so. All military coups were products of political inaptitude and were orchestrated by ambitious chiefs. General Kakar’s refusal to hold onto the chair did not deter Musharraf from booting out the civilian government.
Gen Kayani’s extension should not be seen merely in the context of local politics. That would be short-sightedness. It should be viewed rather in the backdrop of the new great game being played between the world powers in the region. I hope Gen Kayani can deliver the goods in this war. We owe a lot to him already, but i hope that he oversees US withdrawal process from Afghanistan ensuring that Pakistan’s interests are safeguarded.
In my opinion, more good will come out of Gen Kayani’s extension than people can think of.
