Q: Pakistan Army has always been ndia centric…
A: If there are unresolved disputes, political disputes and offensive postures on other side, no side will lower guard. New Indian doctrine is offensive and rising military budgets are threats. Military does not work on intentions. Even if India’s intentions are good, or not, they are Pakistan centric.
Balance of power in the region in important. It will only restrain conflict. International disputes are resolved by give and take, Inability to resolve disputes creates tensions.
Q: Has Kashmir issue brutalized he areas adjacent to it?
A: Whether LeT or not, youth in Punjab has been brutalized by what is happening in Kashmir. One group or the other will be coming up. More important is to look at the cause. Today we will finish one, you will have other. It is not only the LeT, we have banned so many groups. But they emerge in splinters. There have been operations in south Punjab. But there were no no-go areas like FATA. These are intelligence led operations by police and paramilitary. There are priorities. If a group is not affecting the state we can wait and tackle it later.
Q: What will be Pakistan’s strategy in case of American exit from Afghanistan?
A: So far we have had no plans for the exit strategy. East and south of Afghanistan is dominated by Pashtuns. Americans are conducting operations without public support. If they leave, peace would not sustain. You don’t have Pashtun representatives in National Army and in Kabul (Afghan government).
