He generally avoids going on to TV because he does not think he is equipped nor have the authority to pass judgment and give an opinion on the controversial issues of today. Simply do not know enough, says he. However, he does it at times, as a layman only if he thinks he can contribute towards a better understanding of how the military works or thinks since that is where he spent most of my life and my only claim to fame.
Recently he was approached by BBC to comment upon Dawn Leaks in their Seherbeen Programme and thinking that he could be helpful and that BBC has a reputation and is reliable, he gave my consent, specially once he was given to understand that there will be no editing.
However after seeing what was telecast at 2300 hrs, 5 May on Aaj TV by BBC, he was disappointed; the gist of his talk was edited brutally and only portions that suited them were shown. While extremely disappointed with the BBC, he says that he would not give any interviews to BBC again, explains his view point very candidly and openly to clarify his stance on recent happenings in and around Pakistan in the wake of Dawn Leaks, which has tried to malign Pakistan Army:
1. Dawn Leaks must not be seen as an event but more as a phenomenon that has much more to it than visible at the surface.
2. It stems from a divided opinion about India-Pakistan relations. The govt wants a better relationship at 'any cost', and the Army, a better relationship after resolution of core issues. This has led to a divided nation. Though both views are valid there is no policy defining which is correct.
3. However it is India that directs how our relationship develops and not us. They are in a position to influence Afghanistan as well and as such most regional matters will be directed, regulated and manipulated by them.
4. India is conducting unprecedented genocide in Kashmir and is disturbed by Pakistan' s new but weak stance at the UN. The progress on CPEC is another issue leading to deeper Pakistan China ties and rapprochement with Russia.The Taliban successes in Afghanistan leading to the likely ouster of the present artificial Unity Govt, is yet another.
He continues to assert:
Note: The view point expressed above are that of Lieutenant general Tariq Khan (retired) and have only been reproduced to show an other perspective from a person who has in depth knowledge and experience of affairs presently being faced by Pakistan
5. Kulbashan incident has exposed a nexus between Indian Intelligence and some of our political leaders. Sajjan Jindal's open statements against Pakistan Army are on record. The timid approach in bringing the Kulbashan matter to the UN and welcoming Sajjan Jindal in Pakistan is a sad reflection of how the govt wishes to pursue its concept of better relations with India. It is easier for them to talk to a hostile Indian than our own Army.
6. It seems that the Army is standing in the way and has to be suitably put in its place. Thus the Dawn Leaks, a manufactured bit of information was released to the press to defame the Army and tell the international community that the govt is beleaguered and hostage to a rogue army. The wordings echoed Jindal's tweet in meaning as well as accusation. It reflected an enemy's point of view. If it was manufactured, what was the purpose? If it was actually a leak of an event that did place in the PM's house; why?
7. India is trying to get the Army listed as a proscribed terrorist organization in the UN. Our govt is likely to show criminal indifference. The Army may get listed as such in the future by default and a walk-over. This would lead to international pressure to reform the Army.
8. The Govt is likely to try a 'Turkey' here. This is what the Dawn Leaks is about. It is a blatant display of sedation and subversion. It is about spreading propaganda against a State institution responsible for National Security, that has so far not been compromised or politicized and is standing ground, for the people of this nation.
9. Its resolution lies in a top level meeting, removing of all disagreements, giving a joint statement on a unified approach to India as an enemy of the State and a State sponsoring terrorism in the region. Also Aggressively pursuing the Kashmir issue at the UN and Security Council.This view point was edited and for better or for worse was my opinion that I was trying to put out.
Note: The view point expressed above are that of Lieutenant general Tariq Khan (retired) and have only been reproduced to show an other perspective from a person who has in depth knowledge and experience of affairs presently being faced by Pakistan
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