Talking terms

Reports that Pakistan8217;s army chief, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, has asked his juniors to keep themselves distanced from politics and politicians are intriguing. According to Pakistani newspapers, he is said to have issued the instruction in a letter, adding that any such contact must have his prior consent. In a country accustomed to military men ever eager to hold forth on any subject, Kayani8217;s reticence stands out. Having succeeded General Pervez Musharraf in November in rather exceptional circumstances, he has refrained from making public his views on the succession or political developments thereafter. Even when rumours have swirled in Pakistan 8212; as they did after Benazir Bhutto8217;s death 8212; that the army could depose Musharraf from the presidency, Kayani has kept quiet. As Pakistan heads for its federal and provincial elections scheduled for February 18, and as the security forces continue to try to reclaim territorial sovereignty in areas bordering Afghanistan, Kayani could be a bigger player than his softness reveals him to be.

As detailed elsewhere in this newspaper, Pakistan8217;s Inter-Services Intelligence ISI faces what could be its biggest crisis so far. Its control over militant networks nurtured since the 1980s has been dangerously eroded. These militants include Maulana Masood Azhar, who was claimed from Indian custody by hijackers at Kandahar in December 1999. Once supported by the ISI, he is now reported to be leading the rebellion against the Pakistani state from Bajaur. Azhar is a graduate of the ISI programme in the 1980s and 1990s to train fighters to achieve Pakistani strategic objectives in Afghanistan and India. Now, they have turned on Pakistan, and are imposing a heavy death toll on the Pakistan army. Kayani8217;s last posting was as chief of the ISI. He is well-versed in its difficult legacy of the past two decades that is now bringing the Pakistani state threats to territorial sovereignty and the rule of law.

One of Kayani8217;s first statements upon becoming army chief was to declare 2008 8220;the year of the soldier8221;. What objectives could this pledge place on him? Would it mean distancing the army from the misadventures of his predecessor? Distancing it from political parties, and allowing a democratically elected government to take office unimpeded by bargains with the army? Would it mean a more coordinated offensive against extremists? General Kayani is right. Pakistan8217;s soldiers will be watched with special interest this year.