Ex-servicemen voices against military operation in Karachi

Bhatta Khor, parchi mafia destroying investment climate in Pakistan: PESA

Engaging Rangers, FC on police duties leave borders unguarded, force demoralised

Amnesty to Pakistani Taliban probably the only option that government can offer

Dated: August 30

The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Thursday said social or economic development is not possible until the worsening law and order situation is brought under total control.

Extortion and kidnaping for ransom has dented the investment climate which must be eliminated as major business centres and leading entrepreneurs are the worst victims of extortionists, it said.

Handing over of Karachi to the Army or targeted operations will not work unless civilian intelligence agencies do their jobs of pin pointing master minds.

This was observed in a meeting of the Executive Council of PESA with Lt Gen Ali Kuli Khan in chair. Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim. SJ & Bar, Air Marshal Masood Akhtar, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Brig Mian Mahmud, Ambassador Mr Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brig Simon Sharaf, Brig Masud ul Hassan Major Farouk Hamid Khan and others were also present in the meeting.

The former military leaders appreciated Federal government’s plans to take nation into confidence over issue of terrorism through an All Parties Conference.

However, the government must announce its policy of dealing with terrorism in advance so that it can get input and masses could study implications. 

PESA has prepared comprehensive policy documents for dealing with terrorism and declaration of vital national interests. Detailed presentations have already been made for Mr Nawaz Sharif, PTI Chief Mr Imran Khan, Mr Raza Rabbani, Mr Shah Mahmud Qureshi and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and others.

The meeting observed that entire nation wants a quick end to the on-going war on terror through peaceful means. PESA do not oppose peace though talks but find it difficult to understand, what the government can offer to Taliban except amnesty of sorts.

The government must get approval from masses before accepting any demands of Taliban as the move could affect entire spectrum of our society and basic values, it was demanded.

Members expressed concern over employment of the Civil Armed Forces (CAF) like Pakistan Rangers and Frontier Corps on police duties for prolonged duration which is affecting their professional capabilities and morale and resulting in leaky borders paving way for smuggling of arms and ammunition, other items and free flow of terrorists.

Instead of relying on CAF, the provinces should increase strength of their police and give them better training and equipment. Furthermore, creation of a special federal force should help in relieving civilian armed forces from police duties but that should not become rebirth of the notorious FSF.

Former servicemen  were of the opinion that the on-going judicial cases against the force have a demoralizing effect.