Pakistan’s ‘quiet man’: Pakistan Observer

Shumaila Raja

Who is General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani? He is being discussed everywhere, in the media, public meetings and drawing room sittings. Analysts and TV anchors are discussing his personality at national and international level. Gen Kayani enjoys the repute of a gentleman who thinks like a scholar and acts like a soldier. He is held in high esteems in Euro-American circles, Peoples Republic of China and the Middle Eastern armies. His photograph had been added to the US Army International Hall of Fame – the fourth Pakistan Army General to have attained this honour.

The 2008 Time’s 100, while listing General Kayani the 20th amongst hundred most influential leaders and revolutionaries in the world, wrote: “…Kayani showed that his loyalty lay with the nation, soldiers, friends, diplomats and politicians all extol his reasoned thinking and tempered judgment.” BBC News in a report on November 27, 2007 titled “The Rise of Pakistan’s Quiet Man” wrote: “…[Gen. Kayani] noted for his patience, diligence, intelligence and sheer determination…has ability to keep a low profile when necessary while also being able to take decisive action when it’s needed... has a “can-do” image as a man who gets things done”. A New York Times report noted that “[Gen. Kayani] received high praise from the US for his military prowess and his commitment to disentangle the army from domestic politics.”

When he took over the image of the armed forces was at its lowest ever level. The forces were being targeted by the militants and assailed by the general public, thanks to the prolonged rule of Gen. Musharraf who badly failed in curbing the war against terror and maintain law and order situation, besides controlling the commodity item and household goods’ prices. The challenges for Gen. Kayani were enormous – both at home and external fronts. But today we see Pakistan’s Armed Forces stand absolved. Gen. Kayani stood guard to the tests of time, to the challenge emanated from the recent political crises pre and post-Long March.

The armed forces contribution has been exemplary during the last 62 years. They have set high standards of command, bravery, dedication, commitment, discipline – and above all professionalism which has acquired this exalted place for the army. He attaches great importance to make the army one of the best in the world and equip its officers and men with necessary wherewithal required by a modern soldier. That’s why he declared the year 2008 as “the Year of the Soldier”, and the year 2009 as “the Year of Training”. There is no doubt that our soldier’s contribution in the ongoing war against terror is enormous and unprecedented. He has set high standards of bravery, gallantry and valor. The General made a point to visit them in operational areas and award them for their gallantry deeds. In this ongoing year, he is especially concentrating on the soldier’s training and professionalism.

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