A Crisis Brews as Army Faces Internal Divisions
The crisis in Pakistan is a result of years of neglect and mismanagement, and it will require a sustained effort to address the root causes of the issue and promote peace and stability in the region. The Army's actions have led to a growing insurgency in Balochistan, and it is time for the country to take a new approach to address the issue.
Pakistan's military is facing unprecedented divisions, with reports of deep resentment among lower ranks and calls for the Army Chief to resign, as the country struggles to address the issue of militancy in Balochistan and the growing insurgency in the region.
The situation in Balochistan has been described as a "forgotten war" by the international community, with the region being treated with "colonial contempt" and the Army's actions leading to a growing insurgency. The Army's "counter-terrorism" operations have become increasingly brutal, targeting civilians, including children and women, and have eroded the cohesion of the Army, which is now seen as an oppressor and a bandit force.
A former ambassador to the US, India, and China has argued that Pakistan's approach to dealing with militancy in Balochistan is akin to "terrorism" and that the country has become a "soft state" that relies on force to resolve complex political challenges, rather than addressing the root causes of the issue. The writer suggests that a "Nelson Mandela-like initiative" is needed to address the issue, which would involve a national reconciliation process that holds people accountable for their past actions, but does not prosecute individuals for their past crimes.
The Pakistan Army is facing an unprecedented situation, with junior officers, colonels, and former generals warning Army Chief General Asim Munir to resign over allegations of making the army a tool of political oppression and carrying out a vendetta. A letter from colonels, majors, captains, and jawans accuses Munir of dragging the institution, nation, and honor into the gutter, and threatens to take back what has been stolen "by force if necessary."
The situation in Pakistan is complex and multifaceted, with the country facing a range of interconnected challenges, including climate change, pandemics, and democratic deficits. A national reconciliation process is necessary to restore the image of the military, ensure civilian supremacy, and promote socioeconomic reforms. The international community is taking notice, and it may be "payback time" for the Pakistan Army, which has made this situation happen over the years.