As Gen Bajwa Takes Charge, Nagrota Shows Pak Won’t Mend its Ways

As Gen Bajwa takes over, Nagrota attack shows Pak’s policy on terror won’t change, writes Maj Gen (R) Harsha Kakar.

Since the announcement over the weekend, in Pakistan, about the appointment of General Qamar Javed Bajwa as the new army chief, the Indian media has had more write-ups on the subject than even the Pakistani media. Every defence expert has been speaking about the individual – with one ex-army chief even drawing from his personal experiences of having served with Bajwa on a UN assignment.

Why are we so concerned about the new chief? Perhaps it has much to do with the unnecessary hype created around his predecessor, Raheel Sharif.

But the real question we need to be asking ourselves is, should we be bothered?

Also Read: Nagrota Attack; Two Army Men Martyred, Three Terrorists Killed

Don’t Expect Drastic Changes

Change occurs in every organisation. Within the ranks of the Pakistani army, change is rare – especially if it takes place on schedule, which happened in this case. Further, their military – like any other army in the world, has its policies and traditions, which have been in place for over 70 years. Can an individual, irrespective of his views, even contemplate changing them? It is unlikely – even if he were a realist and were to accept the writing on the wall.

Every army seeks to ensure high morale among the members of its troops. This morale is entrenched in their values and beliefs – as also in the ability to dominate enemies.

Loss of lives due to enemy action always has an adverse impact on troops, which is restored only by a counter strike.

Further, every military has a reason for its existence. It could be dealing with hostile neighbours, national security, battling terror groups or participating in international operations. In Pakistan’s case, it also includes the need to run the country when it feels that civilian leadership has failed.

It is the nature of threat which determines a nation’s defence budget, manning requirement, equipment holdings and the type of training that is imparted.

Also Read: Here’s Why General Bajwa Was Made Pak Army Chief: Pakistani Media

Bajwa Won’t Transform India Policy

Pakistan draws much of its military strength and power from its enmity with India. It obtains its budget and manpower by playing the India card.

Peace with India would lead to questions. It would erode the very base which gives it the power to dominate internal as well as external politics. Further, within the nation, India has been termed as the aggressor that has annexed Kashmir, which remains an unfinished job. Pakistan’s survival as a nation state depends on uniting Kashmir under its flag.

Accepting any discussion, which could lead to a resolution of the problem would be disastrous for military morale, as there would be a feeling of being let down.

The deep state, comprising the army and the ISI, have created monsters in the form of terror groups. Attempts at dismantling or curbing their activities would result in a backlash against the state, further involving the army. It is extremely difficult to convince the nation, in general, and the military specifically, that the policies of supporting terror groups (followed for decades) are wrong and hence, need to be changed. Change in such cases can only imply a reduction in their funding and support. In a nation where funding is provided by the public during Friday prayers and terror group leaders openly seek volunteers who want to become cannon fodder in the pursuit of Jannat, can support for state-sponsored terrorism ever reduce?

In such a scenario, therefore, why do we waste time discussing an individual who is all set to head an organisation that has considered us sworn enemies since time immemorial?

He will neither be able to effect change, nor afford to force his men to suddenly look at India with a different perspective. The strikes in Nagrota and Samba, on the day he assumes his appointment, indicate that nothing has changed and nothing ever will. It could also be a message that he would follow his predecessor in every way.

Business As Usual

Gen. Bajwa may have unique beliefs that impressed his prime minister enough to choose him over four others – but can he bring about change in an organisation which for decades has followed a rigid path? Very unlikely.

There would, in all probability, be no difference between him and his predecessors. As Peter Criss states, “Money, power and fame change people a lot” – and at this level, there can only be a change in the individual, not in the organisation.

Thus, in the ultimate analysis, it would be business as usual for the Indian Army and the government. Why, therefore, should we waste time even debating the subject? After all, there are so many more critical issues at hand – such as a non-functional Parliament and demonetisation.

(The author is a retired army officer based in Lucknow. He can be reached @kakar_harsha. This is a personal blog and the views expressed above are the author’s own. The Quint neither endorses nor is responsible for the same.)

Also Read:
PM Sharif’s Gen Bajwa Option: A Glimmer of Hope for Indo-Pak Ties?
Gen Bajwa’s Selection Is the Eye of a Religious Storm in Pakistan