ARTICLE: When Zulfikar Ali Bhutto took over as President and Chief Martial Law Administrator in the early 1971, he enjoyed immense powers. His problem was that he was fearful of the Officer Class. He set about bringing changes in the military and the civil service. Bhutto knew that the Officer Class would resist his mis-governance. Massive changes were made. The way Gen Gul Hassan and Air Chief Marshall Rahim were removed is well known. Bhutto installed himself as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. He also created a position of joint chief, and secretary general defense to layer the ruling structure. In the civil service, eminent seniors were retired. 'Yes men' were installed in top jobs - even in the judiciary. Lateral entry was allowed. From 71 till his departure in 1977,Bhutto had all but eliminated the Officer Class. But to no avail. When the then Army Chief gave the command, Bhutto was removed. Subsequent events are well known. The Pak Army, and the other arms, are not that easily disrupted. When I meet a two-star General I am comfortable - I know this man has achieved the rank through training, merit and performance. Not so with civilian officers.

The current subject is the crash of PIA flight PK8303. I do not want to comment on the technical aspects. But this was expected. PIA has been on woeful decline for 40 years. Two of my friends served as Chairman/CEO - Tariq Kirmani and Zafar Ahmed Khan. Both had great corporate credentials. The problem with PIA has not been the CEO, but the rot within. PALPA is the major culprit. Occasionally, politicians interfere. At one ceremony that I was watching, Asif Zardari issued orders to recruit 300 people within one week. When I was running the Management Association of Pakistan (2000-9) I had befriended Maurice Flanagan, the founder of Emirates Airlines, then Vice-Chairman. I used him as a funding source for MAP events. Once I asked Maurice if Emirates would buy out PIA. His reply "Yes, for Rs 100/- plus assets and liabilities". Maurice is now dead and his family in the UK is looked after very lavishly by the royal family.

After 1988, enter Benazir Bhutto, Asif Zardari and the Sharifs. A game of musical chairs. They had one thing in common - they hated the Officer and Professional Class. Only 'Yes Men' and 'Con Men'. Nawaz Sharif went to Central Model School, Lahore - hardly the best institution to learn leadership. Benazir surrendered power to AZ who was known to throw files at senior officers.

So, Pakistan has reached a milestone. Civilian (bureaucracy) leadership has been destroyed. Some officers still exist who are loyal to their oaths. But they face hard times.

Prognosis: Expect more of the same -plane crashes, train accidents, water shortages, locust attacks, floods, pandemics, bailout packages. When in severe trouble, call out the Army.

(Concluded)

(The writer is the former Executive Director of the Management Association of Pakistan)