Civil-military leaders on same page over Gen Raheel’s new role

ISLAMABAD: The Nawaz Sharif government has permitted General ® Raheel Sharif to lead the military alliance of 39 countries to fight terrorism following the consent of the Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ).

Informed sources said that prior to this permission Tehran was also taken into confidence and given the assurance that the military alliance in no way would be used against Iran. These sources said besides others, no less than the Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa played important role to this end. Ambassador of Iran to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost early this month called on Gen Bajwa to discuss “matters of regional security and mutual interest”. An informed source said that in the same meeting, the issue of military alliance of 39 countries to fight terrorism was discussed.

ISPR press release, though did not talk on this specific issue, said that Ambassador Honardoost acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army's contributions to regional peace and stability and expressed his appreciation for Operation Raddul Fasaad.

While thanking the Ambassador, Gen Bajwa said Pakistan Army "greatly values the historical relationship between the two brotherly countries which can never be compromised on any cost", the ISPR said. He also said that enhanced military-to-military cooperation between the two countries would have a positive impact on regional peace and stability.

Key civilian sources said that Pakistan believes that its role in the military alliance of Muslim countries would be critical to defuse tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. It is said that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had already given his word on joining military alliance to Riyadh.

Regarding General ® Raheel Sharif, it is said that he had also conveyed to the civilian government that he would accept the assignment only if the government allowed him to do so. However, General ® Raheel is also clear that the military alliance he is going to lead is not against Iran or any other state.

Many here oppose Pakistan’s joining the alliance and former Army Chief’s leading the force, misconstruing it as anti-Iran. However, the fact remains that neither the Saudis, who are behind the creation of this alliance, ever said it nor there is any other evidence available to prove this. 

In reality, at the time of the creation of this alliance it was unambiguously announced that it was being established to counter terrorism and eliminate terrorist organizations particularly ISIS.  On the basis of mere perceptions and prejudice, many in media and politics here pass judgments against Gen ® Raheel and the government for joining the alliance.

Pakistan’s stated position on Saudi-Iran tension is clear and was reflected in the Islamabad’s stance on the Yemen conflict. Despite Riyadh’s keenness, Pakistan had refused to send its troops to Saudi Arabia to fight against Iran-backed rebels in Yemen. The decision was taken by the Pakistani parliament, and duly endorsed by the country’s civil and military leadership.

Then General Raheel was the Army Chief. Like our parliamentarians and the civilian leadership, General Raheel knew the serious implications of getting into Yemen conflict. Generally it was said and believed that Pakistan’s direct involvement into Yemen conflict will further the sectarian divide within Pakistan.

Why would Pakistan and General ® Raheel today become part of any anti-Iran alliance, which they had rejected before despite the displeasure of Riyadh. Saudi Arabia has been a major target of terrorist organizations during the last few years. In these situations, Saudi Arabia decided to launch a military alliance of Muslim countries to counter terrorism.

Pakistan during General ® Raheel Sharif tenure as Army Chief had shown great record of fighting against terrorism. Raheel earned worldwide acclaim for leading Pakistan Army in its fight against terrorism and for the same reason he was offered the lead role in the military alliance by the Saudis.