A popular general

This refers to the article, ‘Larger than life’ (August 31) by Syed Talat Hussain. The writer has done an excellent analysis of our country’s ground realities. He has very correctly assessed Imran Khan’s psyche. The writer is also quite right in stating that all former army chiefs have been praised as heroes and men with exceptional qualities as long as they headed the most powerful institution in the country and are then forgotten as soon as they shed their uniform. But as pointed out by the writer, Gen Raheel Sharif is an exception. His courageous stand against corruption, mafias, religious fanatics and insurgency in Balochistan makes him a real saviour. His courage, dedication and energy are without doubt remarkable.
It is the moral and constitutional obligation of the elected PM to provide leadership and be the first one to go to places that are struck by tragedies and natural calamities. But in our case the good general has taken up the challenge and provided leadership to the nation. Government functionaries and ministers are too busy enjoying their perks, coming up with expensive projects or going on foreign visits. In short Gen Raheel and the armed forces are the only ones performing their duties sincerely, honestly and patriotically. Under these circumstances, it is quite natural that General Raheel Sharif should be the most popular person in the country.
Zaheer Ahmed
Islamabad
*****
This refers to the article, ‘Larger than life’ (August 31) by Syed Talat Hussain. It is true that the election tribunal’s decision has vindicated Imran Khan’s stand and the world has seen that he was justified in challenging the 2013 election results. The writer, while criticising all past generals, has missed an important point, ie, the role of those politicians who supported dictators for their personal greed for power.
As far as Gen Raheel Sharif is concerned, it is because of his outstanding performance in rooting out terrorism from our country and his resolve to make the country free of terror that he is so popular. It is improper to undermine the authority of the prime minister except some differences regarding catching big fish involved in mega corruption and utilisation of this money in terror funding. But this authority has been given voluntarily by parliament to the army so why cry now? People want their looted money back and see the culprits brought to justice.
Lt-Col (r) Mukhtar Ahmed Butt
Karachi