Spy Chronicles: Raw, ISI and Illusion of Peace
Pakistan’s army has ordered an inquiry into a former spy
chief for co-writing a book with the ex-chief of an intelligence agency from
arch-rival India that has stirred controversy on a range of issues.
With the election fast approaching, it is not business as
usual in Pakistan’s electoral politics. Contrary to expectations it is not
because for the second time in its history an elected government is passing on
the baton to another. Unexpectedly the most stable mainstay of Pakistan’s real
politic, the military, is for once not in the polity’s good books.
In a tale of many firsts for the boys, the list of charges against
the military is rapidly getting longer. It has been targeted by Pahtun Tahafuz
Movement for killing and abduction of Pashtun population. It has been blamed
for running a vicious campaign against the three time elected - and as many
times ousted - former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.
The latest dagger in its side however has been thrust from
within the ranks. Spy Chronicles: Raw, ISI and Illusion of Peace, a book
co-authored by the former Chiefs of premier intelligence agencies of Pakistan
and India is stirring equal measure of controversy both home and abroad. So
much so that General Asad Durrani (the former ISI head) has been barred from
leaving the country. The book is a
discussion between Durrani and former RAW chief Amarjit Singh Dulat and
moderated by journalist Aditya Sinha.
The media wing of Pakistans powerful military issued a
statement saying, that attributions in the book have been taken as violation of
Military Code of Conduct applicable on all serving and retired military
personnel. The official twitter account of ISPR said,’’ A formal Court of Inquiry
headed by a serving Lt Gen has been ordered to probe the matter in detail.
Competent authority approached to place his name on ECL.’’
So what is it that has pushed military to taken this action?
It could primarily be his statements on Osama Bin Laden, the deceased and
former head of Al-Qaeda. “At some point the ISI probably learnt about Osama bin
Laden and he was handed over to the United States according to a mutually
agreed process,” says Durrani in his book. This is contrary to official
stance of Pakistan which stresses that it had no idea about the where about of
the worlds most wanted terrorist at that time and it only came to know about it
when the US navy seals had taken him on 2nd May 2011. On his statements on OBL
operation Durrani told me,’’ I gave my assessment, which could be wrong. In any
case critical decisions are not taken to “build images.”
Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency ISI, has over the
years developed a reputation for extending its jurisdiction beyond the
constitutional parameters. It is often blamed for instigating and supporting Kashmir
insurgency in Indian controlled Kashmir. On Kashmir A.S Daulat the former RAW
chief and Durrani have detailed discussion in the book and a significant part
of the book is dedicated to it. Durrani says that India wants to stick to the
policy of maintaining the ‘Status quo’as it is favorable for India. In his
book he says,’’ Conflict is manageable, there will be occasional firing across
the border, and people may die. But the price of peace may entail accepting the
old division of Kashmir or arrangement with Pakistan, changing the former Indus
Water Treaty, etc. That might trigger other dynamics.’’ Durrani tells me,’’Status
Quo is not static. If the current uprising is contained, the status quo at
another level may be India’s preferred option.’’ Durrani believes that now the
establishments of both the countries should be given a chance to take on the
negotiation process.
Durrani also criticises the lack of cooperation between
institutes in Pakistan. In the book he says, ‘’If in India you are working
together, you are one step ahead of us. We hardly see any cooperation between
our agencies. In Pakistan, cooperation between government departments,
civil-military, and generally is far from desirable. It may be because of our
history.’’ Durrani criticizes former military dictator Musharraf and
holds him responsible for a ‘failed Kargil Operation’. Durrani tells me, ‘’Both
Nawaz Sharif and Musharraf take their part of responsibility.’’ Durrani also believes
that the ‘Lal Masjid Operation’ carried out by Musharraf was a disaster and resulted
in more suicide bombings.
Durrani seemed obviously unhappy with politicians in
Pakistan. He tells me,’’That’s the struggle: improve the political system to
get the right type of people in.’’
Lastly, reacting on the criticism he has received on his
book he says,’’I do not have to respond to any criticism. I have co-authored
it. If a civilian were to write a similar book—and was “frowned upon”—it would
be up to him to react.’’
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