This refers to the news report, ‘Gen Raheel not to accept extension in service’ (January 25). The majority of people have shown concern over the announcement. Their main concern is the unfinished task of eliminating terrorism from the country. Let me assure them that anyone succeeding Gen Raheel will have no other option but to continue with his policy(ies) in this respect. I think there is a strong overall feeling in the armed forces that there is no alternative to ‘Pakistan first’ and every other consideration is subservient to it. Therefore, the army chief, whosoever he may be, would have to keep in view such sentiments of the force he commands. No three-star general can reach that height in the army unless he has the requisite ability, years of practical experience and the overall merit to make it.
The matter of choice and preference seldom works in winning over personal loyalties – cases in study: Gen Zia handpicked by Z A Bhutto and Gen Musharraf by Nawaz. It would, therefore, be most appropriate to pass on the command to the next senior-most lieutenant general in line. No one should have any fears from anyone as long as he/she/they also keep in mind and work for ‘Pakistan first’.
Col (r) Riaz Jafri
Rawalpindi