Over to Qamar Javed Bajwa

By: Syeda Aroosa Fatima

W

ill it be challenging for Qamar Bajwa to be a new Chief of Army Staff? As former Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif has given him a tough trial to compete with. General Raheel Sharif has been considered to be the most popular, enthusiastic, honest and trusted army chief in the history of Pakistan. He is the man behind the accountability of the country and still lives in the hearts of people as he has done lots of tremendous and remarkable efforts for the country. The most prevailing achievement of Gen Raheel Sharif is Zarb-e-Azab in which over 8,000 terrorist eliminated in light of “Zarb-e-Azab” bringing down terrorist activities by more than 60% in Pakistan. Another triumph is “Karachi Operation” due to which a significant decline in Terrorist Activities is seen including 69% decrease in Target Killing, 85% reduction in extortion and 90% drop in kidnapping activities. Other than that he played a vital role in the economic growth of Pakistan. Gen Raheel Sharif’s eccentric support to the “China-Pakistan Economic Corridor” is the main driver to future prosperity that the country will one day enjoy and appreciate. Pakistan Army is providing full proof security to the CPEC, playing a vital part in the economic growth of the country. He

has not only diminished small mafia and gangs but has also done an “Operation against Political Parties”. Biggest example of this operation is Dr. Asim Hussain, chairman of higher commission of Sindh. He also pledged to bring perpetrators of DHA valley sting to justice. His eyes were not on the civilians only but he also dismissed 12 army officers due to corruption charges as he was loyal and strict to his decency rules. Qamar Javed Bajwa on the other hand, takes charge as the 16^th COAS, aims to find the elucidation of Kashmir issues for regional stability. He seems to be more interested in resolving matters of northern areas of the country. His aim is respectable but Gen Raheel Sharif has given him a lot to compete. Now he has to do supplementary tasks which should be no less than extraordinary. Apart from the tough trials by former army chief, tittle-tattle about him that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif wanted him wholeheartedly to be a next Army Chief, is going to create troubles for him, as people are already thinking that Qamar Bajwa will not do anything which PM doesn’t like. It will be a hard-hitting challenge for Qamar Bajwa to restructure his image in front of public and for that he surely has to put his efforts for the upward mobility of the country just like former Army Chief.