The Bajwa Doctrine

[ghazi52]

The Bajwa Doctrine: from chauvinism to realism

Suhail Warraich
March 18, 2018

After 70 years of extreme chauvinism, we are finally into the doctrine of realism which focuses on the peaceful coexistence with the neighbouring countries.

The Bajwa Doctrine, initiated by the rationalistic and logical Gen Qamar Bajwa and his equally able team of the top military command, is all about realising the changes taking place around the country and reshaping policies according to the needs of the modern times.

The doctrine is very clear about the democratic future of the country. Believing in the importance of the constitution, the doctrine wants to ensure the proper respect of all the institutions of the state. The years of collective experience of the military have proved that the supremacy of law is a major deterrent against terrorism.

It is a considered view of the command that the capacity of civilian institutions like Police, Civil Services and civil intelligence agencies needs to be enhanced for strengthening the country.



International Vision:

It was very courageous on the part of Gen Bajwa to tell the Afghan authorities in unequivocal terms that Pakistan has no expansionist designs about Afghanistan. This doctrine openly abandoned the idea (if it ever existed) of strategic depth and Afghanistan as the fifth province of Pakistan. The Bajwa Doctrine seeks total peace on western borders and wants to make Iran and Afghanistan as its erstwhile allies. Gen Bajwa has tried to rekindle the deep friendship with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the USA who were unhappy with the Nawaz government for different reasons. Some successful moves of strategic cooperation have again befriended these estranged countries who at times have conflicting interests with each other.

The Bajwa Doctrine is not about the role of a hateful neighbour trying to destabilise others but establishing Pakistan as a proud peace-loving country which wants peaceful coexistence with the world. But if provoked, threatened or pressurised it will show its full muscle power to the enemy to prove its strong commitment to the motherland.

General Bajwa chairs a meting of the top commanders of the Pakistan Army-file photo

About India on the eastern border, the doctrine understands that there can be no war between two neighbouring nuclear countries. It thinks that India though stubborn for the time being because of extremist Modi regime but within two to three years due to its growing economy will realise the need of a peace dialogue with Pakistan. The doctrine till then will continue its wait and see policy about India. The doctrine continues its engagement policy with the USA but this time Pakistan is not ready to be involved in the infighting within Afghanistan.



Counter-terrorism strategy:

The Bajwa Doctrine focuses on the internal security and believes in totally wiping out terrorism from Pakistan. It is making sure that no safe havens be spared for the terrorists. The doctrine’s only priority is Pakistan. The old idea of distinguishing between good or bad Taliban seems to have died down. The doctrine has fought against terrorism of every hue and colour. Gen Bajwa and his team has a clear vision of peaceful and prosperous Pakistan and they want to make Pakistan totally violence free. They want the militant groups to be de-weaponised and brought to the mainstream like Ireland and other strife-stricken countries where warring groups were dealt in an ideal way.

Gen Bajwa had met Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and told him that as a first step both, Afghanistan and Pakistan should stop being used against each other. The border fencing on the Pak Afghan border is the hallmark achievement of the Bajwa Doctrine which will benefit both the neighbours.

The Bajwa doctrine stands for regional peace and, like China, wants to make peace with India while keeping our differences on core issues. The doctrine is ready for peaceful negotiations but without compromising on the Kashmir issue. The doctrine is fully aware of the Chinese advice to Pakistan that instead of war, other peaceful measure be negotiated for Kashmir issue.

The army chief talking to a soldier-File photo

The Bajwa doctrine is fully aware of the international perspective since the general himself had been in UN Peacekeeping Force interacting with different nationalities. The doctrine analysed the USA-Canada business relationship and reached to the conclusion that initially Canada was at loss but now it’s in profit. This example can help Pakistan to develop trade with China and India taking care of our own business interests.

The doctrine wants good relationship with the USA and is ready to work with them on the controversial issues. The vision negates any idea of direct or indirect war with former ally USA and stresses the need of resolving all issues through dialogue.

The doctrine has painstakingly worked on improving relationship with Iran and Gen Bajwa’s visit to Iran and Iranian foreign minister Jawad Zarif’s visit to Pakistan are being considered as very fruitful. The Bajwa Doctrine has successfully mended the damage done to Pak-Saudi relations during the last regime of Nawaz Sharif. It has also normalised the relations with UAE which seemed to be at loggerheads during the Sharif regime because of the issue of voting for Turkey instead of UAE for EXPO 2020.



Roots of the Command:

Gen Bajwa, though a continuation of the superb military leadership who are professionally trained to the perfection, yet like US President Woodrow Wilson who gave the idea of the League of the Nations for the peaceful world after the Second World War, Gen Bajwa is a brave commander ready to fight against every enemy but at the same time he is kind at heart who wants to see this world peaceful.



Political Vision:

Like all great setups, the doctrine has certain flaws as well. The doctrine is gullible on some hot and controversial issues. The love of the institution makes it gullible.

The doctrine sometimes believes in the raw stories presented to it by its own intelligence system. Despite these usual flaws, the Bajwa doctrine is sure that the Panama JIT was totally unbiased. It is also dead sure that no pressure was exerted on the judiciary by any agency.

So Bajwa doctrine clearly says that army had no direct role in politics and it takes exception to mention of army in ousting Nawaz Sharif. This doctrine is of the view that Panama descended upon Nawaz Sharif accidentally and army did not play any role in the court decision against him. Rather Gen Bajwa told PM Nawaz Sharif soon after becoming COAS that he will stand by the government except in the Panama case. The unauthentic journalistic feel is that about 70 per cent of Panama material was provided by the dear and near ones of Nawaz Sharif while only 30 per cent was collected by JIT itself.

 

[ghazi52]

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Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa shakes hands with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif-File photo


The doctrine fully knows that some states had their own complaints against Sharifs so they also wilfully provided proof against them. Recently, the UK has also sent money laundering report of the Sharif family.

Gen Bajwa even wanted to write to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to exclude military men from JIT. He, however, did not do so on the pretext that the Supreme Court might consider it as an effort to jeopardise the proceedings of the court.

The Bajwa Doctrine has wilfully taken a soft look and it does not want to repeat the cruelties committed during the Zia regime. The doctrine has to retreat on certain issues like creating forward bloc because it strictly avoided using brutal force. The doctrine is so soft that when Nawaz Sharif complained to the army chief that a brigadier in Panama JIT was harsh with Mian Tariq Shafi, he personally made sure that this type of complaint is never repeated. The general feeling in the establishment is that 18th Amendment has become a major cause of unbalance between Federation and the provinces. The provinces do not have the capacity to handle Higher Education Commission and nor do have the means to deal with law and order. The doctrine will be happy to do away with 18th Amendment to which it sees more dangerous than six points of Sheikh Mujeeb. The perception is that the amendment has changed Pakistan from a Federation to confederation.

The doctrine has strong commitment to democracy but the “soft spoken Bajwa” would not like to be remembered as Nero playing flute when Rome was on fire. Gen Bajwa was in a position to impose the martial law on the eve of Khadim Rizvi Dharna when attacks were being carried out on the houses of N leaders but he did not go for this option because of his commitment to democracy.

The doctrine stands by the Supreme Court and other institutions and is bound by Article 68 of the constitution to do this. Any effort to subvert the working of the institutions would mean that redlines has been be crossed.



Financial Management:

The professionals of the Bajwa doctrine totally reject Ishaq Dar’s financial vision and feels he damaged the state by his policies. The doctrine is however happy with new chap Miftah Ismail and his financial vision. The analysts believe that the financial management of Zardari despite oil crisis was better than the Sharifs. Zardari enhanced the exports while Dar failed miserably due to artificially holding dollar price under strict control. The doctrine is more interested in imposing financial and educational emergency rather than wasting money on Metros and Motorways. The doctrine is also unhappy on throwing away 120 billion rupees in the name of Benazir Income Support Program and would like to convert this huge fund to some purposeful means.



Historic roots:

Pakistan Army is much above caste and creed or ethnic and religious divides and all selections are done much above these relationships.

Gen Bajwa, if seen in the continuation of Pakistani perspective, is the first Jat son of the soil who has been given military command of the army in the 70 years of national history. It was 170 years earlier when the last native son of the soil, another Jat of the Sindhu clan, Gen Sher Singh Attariwalla, fought valiantly at the battlefield of Chillianwala, District Gujrat – the same district Gen Bajwa’s Warraich mother belonged to. The battle of Chillianwala was the only war won against the British in 100 years of colonial history of this land.

Quite interestingly, though Gen Sher Singh was the commander of Sikh army, 1,500 Afghan Muslims warriors led by Dost Muhammad Khan were also part of his force. Later, Gen Sher Singh had to surrender like the last Mughal king, Bahadar Shah Zafar, or like the French hero, Napoleon Bonaparte. Gen Sher Singh met the same fate as of abovementioned great heroes and remained exiled to Banaras till his last breath.

Gen Bajwa, the 16th commander of Pakistan Army, belongs to the 62nd course.

The whole world knows that the selection process in the army is purely merit based. The appointment of 16 army chiefs in the last 70 years shows the regional and ethnic diversity of military leadership. Coming from different areas, distant places and diverse communities, they represent the institution like a single unit. It is interesting to go through the chiefs’ native districts and their respective clans to prove the diversity within the military. The list of Pakistan’s army chiefs along with their native districts and their respective clans is as follows:

Gen Gracey (British), Field Marshal Ayub Khan (Tareen Pathan from Hazara district ), Agha Yahya Khan (Pathan/ Qazilbash) , Gen Gul Hassan (Pathan), Gen Tikka Khan (Rajput from Rawalpindi), Gen Ziaul Haq (Arain from district Jalandhar), Gen Aslam Baig (Urdu speaking from Karachi), Gen Asif Nawaz (Janjua Rajput from Jhelum), Gen Waheed Kakar (Kakar Pathan from KP) , Gen Jehangir Karamat (Kakkizai from Lahore), Gen Pervez Musharraf (Urdu speaking Syed from Delhi settled in Karachi), Gen Ashfaq Pervez (Kiyani from Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi), Gen Raheel Sharif (Kashmiri Rajput from district Gujrat) and finally Gen Qamar Bajwa (Jat from Gujranwala).

Gen Kayani was a chain-smoking philosopher general who was best to the minutest details, while Gen Raheel was more concerned about his image making rather than merely focusing on his professional work. Gen Kayani prepared the army for anti-terrorism narrative and successfully transformed the troops from jihadi mindset to the national narrative. Gen Raheel asserted his role as against the civilian rule but by the end of his career he did not leave his lasting effect on army and the country. In contrast, Gen Bajwa is totally at ease with himself, no pomp and show, humble and human. No fake pride and no tall claims.

He has no pretensions of being philosophical or having deep wisdom. He has no wish of false image making. He is not interested in any conspiracy to take the reins of power. He wants to retire at the end of his tenure and will not seek any extension. He is making no effort to become the greatest general or the field marshal of this country because he is contented on what he has already got.

He is neither stiff necked and robotic like Raheel and nor unpredictable and deep thinking like Gen Kayani. He is sociable and close to the realities of life and wants to resolve the issues by actions in the right direction. Above all, this doctrine is ready to listen and learn from its mistakes. The general himself like Gen Musharraf is a patient listener and appreciative of rational thinking. He is warm during socialising and takes deep and affectionate interest in intrinsic human relationships.

The success of any doctrine is not measured by intentions but by the results. The history will judge this doctrine as the others were judged by the deliverance. It is common practice that the people in power forget their main focus and spend most the time on trivialities. Securing Pakistan from external threats, transforming the fictional state narrative closer to the facts and strengthening political and economic system are the needs of present times. Let see whether the doctrine passes the test of time or not.

 

[django]

Yahya Khan was not a Pashtun he was a Qazilbash.

 

[ghazi52]

Yes. Yahya Khan was Persian speaking Peshawar local.

 

[Kabira]

feeling in the establishment is that 18th Amendment has become a major cause of unbalance between Federation and the provinces. The provinces do not have the capacity to handle Higher Education Commission and nor do have the means to deal with law and order.

This make more sense, especially security part. I remember PPP used to delay signing ranger extension in Karachi. They should never be allowed to play with Karachi security again no matter what autonomy they claim to have under 18th amendment.

And since Karachi will never vote for PPP, they need to devolve powers just like they asked for 18th amendment. This way ethnic minority in Sindh will not need to look up to another Altaf Hussain.

 

[Maler]

Quite critical of Raheel Shareef!!!!! Why???

 

[Winchester]

This is really poorly written.

Agree with most of this "doctrine" but opposition to the 18th amendment and BISP is unfounded.

The 18th amendment was necessary to put a stop to "blame Punjab" arguments. Already you see in Sindh, nationalists blaming the provincial govt. not Punjab for the disastrous governance there. Instead of going back it would be better to increase the capacity of provincial governments. Plus introducing local governance for further devolution of power.

BISP has been a success in reaching out to poor of the poor that is well documented by international organisations. Of course there will be irregularities but small compared to the loot of the corrupt bureaucrats, politicians and generals.

 

[Thanatos]

Paid journalism.

 

[ghazi52]

The ‘Bajwa doctrine’
Editorial

The existence of the purported doctrine was first mentioned by DG ISPR Maj Gen Asif Ghafoorearlier this year. Now, following a briefing by army chief Gen Qamar Bajwa to a group of journalists and anchorpersons, it has been indirectly revealed to the country as the so-called Bajwa doctrine.

Ostensibly a template for bringing peace and security to Pakistan and the region, the doctrine also delivers a blueprint for addressing complex and ingrained governance and economic issues in the country. Several points need to be made.

First, it is a welcome move by Gen Bajwa to speak to the media. His predecessor, retired Gen Raheel Sharif, was all too visible in public-relations campaigns, but opted not to address the media or answer questions. Given the pre-eminent position the army chief has in the national security, and also political, framework, the holder of the office should face the media and answer questions.

Perhaps Gen Bajwa ought to consider making his media interactions more formal and bringing them on the record — the words of the army chief can be of much national and international significance.

Second, because Gen Bajwa’s comments were neither recorded nor publicly broadcast, there is some confusion about the words he chose and the sentiments he expressed. A clarification would not just be welcome, but arguably essential because of the controversy the quotes attributed to him have stirred.

The transition to democracy is headed towards a third consecutive on-time election, but the democratic project is obviously in some kind of danger. In an environment of such uncertainty, it does not help for an army chief to have remarks attributed to him that can be perceived in democratic quarters as questioning the legitimacy and substance of democracy here.

Previously, when such misgivings were expressed, it presaged a period of either democratic turmoil or military rule. Gen Bajwa has been quoted as insisting that the military has left the era of coups and democratic tinkering behind and expressing an unambiguous desire to see the democratic project continue.

That positive message should not be obscured by controversy over other remarks pertaining to the 18th Amendment or an unprompted expression of support for the superior judiciary. Perhaps Gen Bajwa can clarify the proper context of all remarks attributed to him.

Third, the military as an institution should recognise that for democracy to survive and deepen in the country, all institutions must remain within their constitutional domains. Military input in national security and foreign policy is overwhelming, but there is an undeniable role for the military leadership in helping shape those policies.

Economic policy, centre-province relations and governance matters, however, are civilian domains. Improvement in all those areas is desirable, but it must flow through constitutional channels and be overseen by those with legitimate credentials. Being well-meaning is not the same as having the necessary expertise.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2018

 

[ghazi52]

Nawaz talks about CJP interview, Bajwa doctrine

ISLAMABAD: Ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has for the first time commented on the much-debated ‘interview’ of the chief justice and the ‘doctrine’ of Gen Qamar Bajwa in his post-hearing talk with the journalist outside the accountability court.

When asked to comment on the two most talked-about issues in the political circles and media, Nawaz said that he is watching people’s reviews about these, but the decision rests with “them” now and not him, without identifying "them".



The Bajwa Doctrine: from chauvinism to realism
In a detailed briefing with the journalists a few weeks ago, the army chief had shared his views on a range of subjects including 18th Amendment, civil-military ties and democracy. This has been termed as Bajwa doctrine by the media and has become a matter of discussion in TV talk shows.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar too in an interview earlier this month with a TV anchor opined on subjects of civic governance, judiciary’s role and the future of democracy in the country.

Admitting his mistake on becoming a party against Pakistan People’s Party’s government in Memogate case, the PML-N Quaid said that he shouldn’t have filed a petition in the scandal against the PPP leadership.

He further stated that Pervez Musharraf is dishonest. “He would show his fists and say 'Nawaz and Benazir would never come back to Pakistan'.”

The former premier also said that he is courageously facing all allegations put against him, without failing to appear in court alongside daughter Maryam Nawaz.

He then urged the masses to differentiate wisely amongst politicians and people like Pervez Musharraf, who hid in a hospital on the pretext of illness.

When questioned if he was asked by former army chief General Raheel Sharif to let Musharraf leave the country, he replied that now is not the time to talk over such matters.

“I have paid the price for the sake of democracy before and still doing it,” he said.

Nawaz underlined the need for annulling laws of dictatorial regimes in one go as he asserted there was space for a better accountability law.

He expressed that recent experiences made him believe to do away with all laws enacted during dictatorial regimes. “We can have better laws that the present NAB law and there was an urgent need to repeal such laws that are used to victimize people.”

He said this is an apathy that people are discussing to put his name on Exit Control List (ECL). The question arises as to who was doing all this.

He said NAB was badly used against people before 2002 polls as he feared recurrence of same events. “After experiencing all this I direly feel to repeal all such laws.

Nawaz Sharif said everybody knows that he did not believe in umpire’s finger but in thumb impressions of voters on the ballot paper. “Votes are gained with thumb impression on ballot papers and not through umpire’s finger.”

He reiterated commitment to the country and the constitution and mentioned to the game being played for the last 70 years stating that people are no more afraid of this game.

The former prime minister said he had consulted with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on appointment of caretaker government as he stressed that upcoming election should not be delayed even for a single day. “Politicians should sit together for a consensus caretaker prime minister and ensure that nobody should hamper the election process.

He said his proposal to sit with state institutions was for the sake of law, constitution and democracy. “We have rendered valuable sacrifices for democracy. We had been upholding law and constitution and shall remain committed in future as well.”

 

[Clairvoyant]

Its the job of the civilians to make such doctrines and its a clear interference in the policy making by military,one should rather give foreign ministry,interior ministry and finance ministry to the army as their isnt any way the poor civies would be able run these departments without the interference of the army.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[Pakistansdefender]

All I can see in Bajwa doctrine is a hung parliament that consists of all that stays in line with shahbaz sherif as their C.M.
Stay in line and shahbaz cases would be closed. Get out of line and cases would be opened.

 

[!eon]

The Bajwa Doctrine
Nawaz Shareef ko tun ke rakho, because he doesn't obey .. and that's all The Bajwa Doctrine.
All Nawaz's political rivals inside and outside of noon league are happy on this Doctor and his Doctor-ine

All I can see in Bajwa doctrine is a hung parliament that consists of all that stays in line with shahbaz sherif as their C.M.
Stay in line and shahbaz cases would be closed. Get out of line and cases would be opened.

True! If you obey Bajwa, he will not see your corruption

 

[ghazi52]

Bajwa doctrine: DG ISPR clarifies how COAS remarks taken out of context
: March 28, 2018

DG ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor. PHOTO: FILE

Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday, while refuting recent media reports, said that the army chief’s comments in an informal meeting with journalists were taken out of context.

The army spokesperson clarified that the basis of “Bajwa Doctrine” is to bring peace and stability to the country. He further clarified that the doctrine supports identification and removal of terrorists morphed in Afghan refugee camps, de-weaponisation of the country, and the establishment of a security fence on the Afghan-Pakistan border.

“The basis of this doctrine is to take Pakistan back to the peaceful and stable country it was,” he added.

Ghafoor also said that India should be thankful to Pakistan for its role in combating terror as the country’s efforts ensured containment of the threat, which may have spilt over the eastern border. He also added that India should realise that if it wants to destabilise Pakistan, it should realise that it is against the region’s interest.

In a question pertaining to rumours doing rounds referring to ‘secret’ meetings between the COAS and Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Shehbaz Sharif, the DG said it is routine for the COAS to meet CMs of different province. When the COAS proposed the fencing of the border, Shehbaz called and offered monetary assistance, thus, meetings and calls between the army and the ministers are nothing our of the ordinary, he added.

COAS’s foreign visits

DG Ghafoor further shed light on the numerous foreign visits that the COAS embarked on in the last few months. He said the visits were made to gain better insight, improve security relations, and work towards cooperation with these countries.

“The COAS has visited Sri Lanka, Kabul, Germany, Brunei and he is currently in Malaysia, as I speak,” he added.

He further stated that the Army chief’s visit to Iran has led to improved border communication, resulting in better security in Balochistan and enhancing development in the province.

Pakistan and War on Terror

Pakistan’s efforts in the war on terror was a major point made during the presser, with the DG stating that Pakistan enjoyed geographical relevance. “If Pakistan had not played it’s positive role, today West and East Germany might still be different countries,” he said referring to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The military spokesperson added that the year started with Donald Trump’s infamous tweet which affected the overall environment of the region and Pakistan’s relations with the US. However, he said, while the US is a superpower, the world’s stance is changing from being geopolitical-centric to focusing on geo-economy.

CPEC and economy

General Ghafoor also spoke about the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), stating the project should not be looked at through a political lens.

“We are embarking on CPEC with China, the power contestation in the region looks at CPEC as a geo-political faction of Pakistan and China,” he stated. He went on to say that CPEC will benefit the entire region and that is what Pakistan wants. “We are going ahead with CPEC in any case, the only thing others can do is create hurdles.”

The military spokesperson also pressed on the need for Pakistan’s economy to improve, adding that the country’s economy suffered with the ongoing war on terror. “We have to take Pakistan towards stability for which economic activity is needed.”

The 2018 Karachi

“Today’s Karachi is much better than the 2013 Karachi, and this was observed in the PSL final on Sunday,” he said, “PSL is an indicator of how peace is returning back to Karachi.”

He said there were 17 no-go areas in the city in 2013, but there are none as of now. “Shutter down strikes in the city have completely stopped,” he added. There have been 386 political activities in the city including sit-ins, protests, rallies, but none of them resorted to violence, he added. These are indicators of a good emerging economy, he added referring to a 100 per cent hotel occupancy in the city.

However, he said this doesn’t mean Karachi’s been taken care of, much work is required in the area.

The army’s Radd-ul-Fasad

The DG said since its launch in February 2017, the operation has cracked 26 successful ventures. “23,380 Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) have been conducted in which 23,964 weapons have been recovered. 7,758 checkposts have been installed in multiple areas,” he added.

He went on to laud the country’s intelligentsia, claiming that they are the brains and eyes behind the upheld peace. He said that in the last 10-15 years, the intelligence has played a key role in curbing terrorism. “The day someone Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) are good institutes is the day they’ve stopped working,” he smiled.

He further went on to list the seven major terrorist networks that have been eliminated from the country, which include Jamat-ul-Ahrar Khurram Chapter, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Swabi and Lahore, Inteqam-e-Waziristan and Ansarul Sharia along with Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat (TTS) Dir.

The Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement

Responding to a question pertaining to Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM), Maj Gen Ghafoor said that he and even the Prime Minister met Manzoor Pashteen. “He is a bright young student.”

He further added that the PTM started in correlation with Naqeebullah Mehsud’s extra judicial killing which is being looked over by the country’s top court now. “However, the PTM gained a lot of sympathy from Afghanistan”, he concluded.