Karachi operations lauded

Counter-radicalization is all about reformation and multidirectional approach which is found in abundance in Pakistan Army, says Tahir Mahmood, Project Director of Resource Centre of Diversity, Integration and Peace, Norway.
Telephonically talking to The News from Norway on Sunday, the Pak-Norwegian researcher, Mahmood, whose discovery of the Counter-Radicalization Process Model, has been acknowledged by some European academics, stated that he still vividly remembers with pride his school days at Federal Government Public High School Kharian Cantonment where his class-fellows included, among others, Naveed Mukhtar who is presently a Lieutenant- General commanding 5 Corps at Karachi.
“Now when I see his mission meeting wonderful successes in purging Karachi of underworld elements, mafias, terrorists and extortionists, I recall those good old schooldays when Naveed Mukhtar would often express his determination and eagerness to serve the beloved homeland”, said Tahir.
Continuing with his views, he stated, “His is a reformative mind from the beginning which confers on him the ability to find ways and means out of situations. He has always been good at keeping his companions on the right track by setting personal examples to follow.
But whatever he did, he did it smilingly with a clear vision. And in his dealings with others, he has always shown friendly and reformative attitude. If the other side showed regret, he has always been very prompt in putting the things on the right track”.
Tahir Mahmood told The News further that during his intensive Counter-radicalization research, he got an opportunity to study various administrative models. The Karachi model of cleansing accompanied with the policy of moving forward in unison with mass public opinion is giving dividends, Mahmood asserted.
“I appreciate the spirit and the vision showed by Pakistani authorities especially by the Commander, 5 Corps, for restoring and improving the peace atmosphere in such a short period of time. This will surely give a good future to Karachi and set an excellent precedent for other provinces and regions to follow.
I’m positive that courtesy the Pakistani top brass’ strategic vision, both short and long term, people of Pakistan and from all over the world will soon start appreciating the marvelous work done by Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar and his team particularly because the latter is not only an army commander committed to strict discipline and strong administrative measures but is also equipped with a tender heart imbued with the spirit of peace, reformation and reconciliation”.
Answering a question about the role of armed services in difficult moments, Tahir said, “Army always plays an important role during times of crises, civil unrest conflicts and criminal mafia possession etc in every country including America. In Pakistan, it has been a great effort of all political actors to engage a brilliant officer like Naveed Mukhtar for Karachi cleansing. Mukhtar is rather the one who spoke in May in a seminar about restoring peace and now the statistics of few months have showed that he meant what he said. He performed as per his words and commitment”.