Quote:
Originally Posted by formerp
Army only mentioned that they don't like Kerry Lugar Bill Conditions and rightfully so but they also mentioned final decision lies with Parliament.Also, this bill conditions indirectly effect our nuclear program.It is not a step to boost democracy, it is internal interference by US. Whether commanders are appointed by the parliament, President, Prime Minister or the CJSC- whether the defence budget is studied in minute detail by parliament or not, whether the military is in charge of strategic policies or not - none of this should concern the US - the structure and rules governing the civil-military relationship are for Pakistan and its institutions to decide.
And the US is welcome to impose conditions on accountability and 'continuity of democracy', it is not welcome to 'run' the State for 1.5 billion a year, which is pretty much what the 'micromanaging' conditions purport to do.Had the bill merely stated that the concerned aid would be tied to the existence of a democratic government in Pakistan (i.e no military coups) then there probably would not have been any opposition to it. Instead the Bill seeks to micromanage Pakistan's internal issues for the sake of a little money.The US claims it wants to construct a mutually beneficial and strategic relationship with Pakistan and have a long term commitment with the region. Passing a bill with such insulting conditions, both in terms of accusing Pakistan of supporting terrorism and trying to meddle in how the Political-Military relationship is structured or how powers are distributed is not reflective of either respect for Pakistan or a desire to build a relationship based on trust and respect.Think about your country first then about your favorite party.PPP is no better then PML-N.
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I was thinking only as a Pakistani not as a supporter of any party, and as a Pakistani i am proud of my armed forces but you can't expect me to support each and every right or wrong step taken by Army or you can't expect me to be happy to see a rift (rather differences) between Army, Navy and Air force. Its not a good thing and i don't want these important and respected departments to show their disagreement in public.
KLB is good or bad, important or not important is another debate, but if Army got any reservations about it, which it can have, they have every right to question it, but only through proper channels. not like how it is happening, making it through media and then statements by Navy chief and spokesmen of Air Chief only shows gloomy picture, which as a Pakistani makes me concerned.
KLB is very important for Pakistan, though i do have some reservations just like you have on language of the Bill. Though it got nothing with Pakistan nuclear program, but it provide hints to state Pakistan as "ex supporter of terrorism" which shouldn't be mentioned no matter if its true, because America itself was supporter of Bloody mujahedeen. Apart from one of two such clauses, this aid is important for Pakistan's economy and our institutions.
a good read on KLB:
Kerry Lugar Bill and the Conspiracy Theorists Pak Tea House