Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) has said that it is a general perception that real reason behind the US attack was to damage the growing links between Pakistan and China.
"US attack on Mullah Akhtar Mansour in Balochistan has strengthened the notion that it has sabotaged the efforts of Pakistan to bring Taliban on negotiating table".
This was observed in a meeting of Executive Council of PESA presided over by its Senior Vice President, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim (retd), SJ & Bar Admiral Fasih Bokhari(retd), Air Marshal Masood Akhtar(retd), Lieutenant-General Naeem Akbar(retd), Brigadier Mian Mahmud(retd), Brigadier Javed Akhtar Khan(retd), Brigadier Arbi Khan(retd), Colonel Dalel Khan(retd), Brigadier Masud-ul-Hassan (retd), Captain Akmal Shah (retd), (Navy), Chaudhry Zia Naseem Ghumman and others participated in the meeting.
They condemned American drone attack dubbing it as gross violation of international laws and sovereignty of Pakistan but an act to sabotage Pakistan's efforts to bring Taliban on negotiating table again.
The attack gives credence to the perception that real target was the growing economic links between Pakistan and China otherwise, he could have been targeted in Iran, from where he entered Pakistan, they added.
The former military leaders said that while continuing our efforts to mend our fences with the USA, Pakistan cannot afford to weaken its links with China. We also need to develop closer links with Russia and Iran.
They observed that rejection of financial support by the US Senate for purchase of eight F-16 fighter aircraft is no doubt a regretful but more dangerous is the clause that requires certification from the US Government that force is not being used against elements that are demanding political freedom.
With this clause, the US Senate has come out in the open about its support for Balkanisation of Pakistan. It is surprising why our government has not responded to this clause.
Anti-Pakistan trend in the US Congress and media shows that our sacrifices and efforts towards winning the Cold War have been thrown in a dust bin. We are now being pressurised to follow America's revised strategy in the region.
This brings out utter failure of our Foreign Office to project Pakistan's case. We have not had any capable foreign minister for the last eight years. We cannot make USA change its geo-strategic policies but an effective foreign minister could have gone round the world, explaining Pakistan's case.
It was observed that in recent months, a number of high profile cases of corruption and anti-Pakistan activities of some prominent personalities and political workers have come to light and are under investigation and trials.
PESA Members expressed their concern that although it is being claimed by various agencies that these cases would be taken to logical conclusion but not a single major case has been finalised as yet. Memogate is one of such high profile cases. In some of the cases it appears state fighting against state.
All eyes are now set at the outcome of investigations regarding Panama Papers. Conflict of interest and politicisation of civil service are the root cause of this problem. An honest officer does not feel secure in his position.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs and Council of Islamic Ideology should give top priority to revert our mosques to their original status as not only a place for worship but also as centres of peace and unity for the Muslims according to the values set by the Holy Quran.
Certain quarters are spreading different stories about handing over of Angor Ada check-post to Afghan troops. Members demanded a clarification by the quarters concerned about it.