The Prime Minister finally picked. From the beginning of this year there was much speculation about this being the year of change as far as three of the most important positions of authority are concerned – not counting the Prime Minister himself, who too was brought in by the general elections held in May.
We are actually seeing things we are not really accustomed to. Smooth transfers of power. It does call for a rubbing of the eyes and pinching of self now and then to believe it is actually happening. Notwithstanding the Shiekh’s and IK’s noora kushti assertions, Pakistan has definitely taken steps towards behavior that is considered the civilized norm in today’s world.
We are much attuned to the fact that people, once in power, do not willingly want to step down gracefully and in fact scheme and plan to hang on, come what may. There is just no precedence for it in our books - the short sighted view of things is the given norm. In this context, the Presidency, when it was graciously vacated by Asif Ali Zardari was the first pleasant surprise. The farewells and the ceremonial trumpeters and so on - despite Shahbaz Sharif’s ‘mai na maanoon’ presence. The choice for the President’s replacement was a complete surprise for many and the PM pulled that one off with panache as well. After the change over the Presidency has become free of politicking altogether – which is how the Constitution wishes it to be.
The next and more important transition this year was that of the Army high command – for obvious reasons, for those who live here or are Pakistan watchers in any way. There were rumours galore that the chief could not be let go for this or that reason (the most usual one about the Americans finding him indispensable in the present scenario)! Besides, there was also news of the upgrading of the appointment of the CJCSC and General Kayani being moved there. The people at large, including the hotshots of media, buying the argument deployed for ‘continuity’! (I wonder why there is always such a wariness of new approaches and thinking.) So much so, that the chief himself had to announce that he was retiring on the due date to put rumours to rest. It is lack of assertiveness by the civilian government that really is responsible for the famed and often mentioned civil-military imbalance!
Anyway as the date of November 29 drew nearer there seemed to be no hurry to decide and announce the name of the replacement from among the four who were at the top in terms of seniority. It was kept a guarded and well kept secret by the PM and his inner most circle. As choices were discussed threadbare in private sittings and even on the media General Raheel Sharif was only mentioned in passing and was considered the least probable. Perhaps, this improbability and lack of lobbying clinched it for him. Both the choices for the CJCSC and the COAS were announced only two days ahead of the day when General Kayani retired. The baton has been passed over and the new Army Chief has taken over the command of his institution. The PM has chosen well. General Raheel Sharif’s military credentials are impeccable. His uncles, father and two brothers have served in the army. His older brother being Major Shabbir Sharif shaheed who was decorated with a Sitara Jurat in the 1965 battle and with a Nishan-e-Haider, the highest award for bravery, in the 1971 war. General Sharif opted to join his brother’s regiment when he passed out from the PMA. This is one continuity of tradition that nobody could have any issues with.
It is no ordinary time or tenure for the new chief. It will be his understanding of issues that will tilt the situation this way or that, as the war on terrorism is dealt with and the disengagement of the US forces begins in Afghanistan next year. There is an uninhibited display of good wishes from both the civilian and military circles for General Raheel Sharif as he takes over. On a personal level, it felt nice to read that he had done his schooling at Azam Garrison High School in Lahore Cantonment. That’s my old school too and it has received new recognition now with this prominently placed old student!
Post Script: Of course as we talk about the all important changes, the final and the last one which will impact the country, is the decision announced by PM Nawaz Sharif is to have Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani as the new Chief Justice of Pakistan. All three of the nominations have been surprises.
The present CJ, Justice Ifthikhar Chaudhry, given to suo motos and scathing remarks, retires in December. It really will feel like starting with a completely new slate at the dawn of 2014. It will be all about performance for the Prime Minister and his government from then on with nobody to blame but themselves if things do not improve for the ordinary citizen of Pakistan. So Prime Minister, with the recommendations over, you have some serious work to buckle down to. And General(R) Kayani, Justice Chaudhry welcome to the world of leisure, golf, music and other gentlemanly pursuits – 2014 has freed you up finally. Your support and role for a democratic Pakistan has been the best thing you did for this country – in the ultimate analysis.

The writer is a public relations and event management professional based in Islamabad.

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