Pakistanis have always been wary of the army and its cohorts. Recently they have become the brunt of all misfortunes and conspiracies. Our intelligence agency has been accused of a long list of criminal activities including the memogate scandal,abduction of “missing persons” ,extra judicial killings,links with militants like the Taliban and paying off political parties. Human right activists have blamed the Pakistani army for violating human rights. But the threat of such an institution becomes real when the common man starts fearing for his security from their watchful eyes. One such example was the accusation regarding the military’s alleged participation in Shia killings in Baluchistan,KP and FATA and most recently in Gilgit.
Various incidents and events have been presented as evidence of army’s involvement in the latest incident. It was said that the terrorists were dressed in military uniform,the most visual proof of some connection to the army. However,uniforms can be purchased from any costume shop. The uniform was used to give the insurgents legitimacy to stop the bus. If the army was involved in sectarian killings why would it in right sense of mind,make such a blatant error? It would be better to appear as inconspicuous as possible. Secondly,the killings took place in an area with high military presence. The escape of these terrorists does appear dubious. But then,perhaps the uniforms were also meant to fool the real army personnel. Worst of all,the army has merely offered to probe into the matter. Their silence is ironically incriminating them even more. But in sensitive matters,the army and intelligence operations are not supposed to disclose information. The silence of the army could also be to protect its people and not add more fuel to the current controversies.
