Opinion Resident welfare

The service extension given to ISI chief Lt Gen Shuja Pasha has evoked mixed views in Pakistan’s press. Dawn wrote on March 10: “Although service extension is always viewed with scepticism,in the case of Lt Gen Pasha it was widely expected but many believe it meets the merit criterion. They say although he reaches the age of superannuation on March 18,more than a year remains in his tenure as a three-star general. Besides,Pasha was directly involved in major missions… Pasha is one of the few ISI chiefs who have remained in close touch with the administration and have briefed parliament on military operations… Regarded by most as an upright and dedicated intelligence official,Pasha is also considered to be a close confidant of army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.”

The Daily Times editorial on March 11 celebrated the extension: “Normally such extensions are not considered a good idea as they block the elevation of others,but these are extraordinary times. Not only are we in the middle of a war inside the country,we are also a frontline ally of the US in the war on terror. Thus there is some weight in the logic of giving an extension to Lt-Gen Pasha. It doesn’t make much sense to change horses midstream when we are embarked on such an important mission,i.e. to eliminate terrorist networks from Pakistani soil and make South Asia a peaceful region.” The News joined the applause: “For the first time we can see the possibility of an all-out defeat for the militants. We must hope the decision will ensure that there is no going back in the effort against militancy… Unlike other ISI chiefs in the past,who had quite evidently seen themselves as above civilian authority,Lt-Gen Shuja Pasha has been willing to brief parliament on efforts against militancy.”

Dawn,however,disagreed: “Much of the reporting in the media has focused on Gen Pasha’s impeccable credentials and the army’s desire for ‘continuity’ in the ISI chief’s office while the state is waging a counter-insurgency. But these are really not very good reasons. Gen Pasha may be an exemplary spymaster and he may deserve the nation’s gratitude for services rendered but is he really indispensable?… Next door,in Afghanistan,the Americans and British have been struggling to contain a deadly insurgency for years now but there has been no talk of ‘exemptions’ and ‘special considerations’ for top military offices there. Arguably,the case for extensions in military service should be even stronger for American or British leaders in Afghanistan: after all,the generals there are operating in a foreign land and possess unique knowledge about that war.”

Caught and bowled

Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to slap penalties on its top international players was met with varying reactions. Daily Times commented on March 11: “A decision by PCB on player discipline couldn’t have come soon enough. The players and their indiscretions have brought shame on this country for too long. That certain players having been banned,dropped,and/or fined by the PCB should be welcomed by every single Pakistani… However,some serious reservations

remain over the selection committee of the PCB and the inability to groom a captain ever since Imran Khan retired.” The News’ editorial blamed PCB for Pakistan cricket’s debacle: “Long-term ‘bans’ on sportsmen should never be meted out lightly,given that they affect careers and performance. Life in sport…is a short one anyway. Not only the PCB and its chief should ask themselves about their role,the high-ups should hold them responsible for the total disaster.”