ISI-bashing

CIA, MOSSAD, MI-6, RAW, and of course, ISI. These are some of the well-known, respected, and feared organisations, generally known as intelligence or secret agencies, and are mandated by their respective governments or charters to undertake designated activities that are crucial for national security and national integrity of their motherland. Over the past many decades, other such agencies have been in the news and most of them have been infamous, not only in their own country, but throughout the world.
Russia's KGB, Shah of Iran's SAVAK, former East Germany's STASI, or the vicious gang of Haiti's 'Papa Doc' Duvalier, officially known as MVSN, but contemptuously nicknamed by every Haitian as Tonton Macoutes. Each and every country, and there are 196 countries in the world, has some structured organisation that could be termed as an intelligence agency.
What has become synonymous with these secret intelligence organisations is their portrayal in public as tough, conspiratorial, disregard for world protocols, ruthless, knowledgeable, and in many cases, 'state within a state'. While accusations and proofs do manifest such thinking, the fact is that for these agencies, the primary objective is to protect and secure the nation from external and even internal threats, intrigues, and more importantly attacks in any manner and channel. Therefore, bashing the nation's intelligence apparatus is in effect, undermining the national security and national responsibility.
Over the last few years, a new thinking has developed in certain quarters and this is assuming ominous proportions. Whispers became words, words became print, print became online debates, and these debates resonated from small hamlets in the interior of Pakistan to the capitals of the world. What should have been nipped in the bud, or just gossiped in the parlours, was broadcast all over through the global megaphone. Suddenly, an organisation whose prime objective is to ensure national security and to provide all possible intelligence reports and position papers to the armed forces is being unnecessarily compromised and even the postings of the hierarchy have become subjects of pros and cons.
The impetus created by a civilian government to what it called bringing the organisation under the executive in its fullest sense triggered warning sirens inside the portals of the well-secured enclave in Rawalpindi. A flurry of actions was immediately conducted and the executive backed down, albeit with a bitter taste in the mouth. Although the status quo was, and has been, maintained and the juggernaut in Islamabad's Aabpara is functioning as before, the hard fact is that a pretty solid dent has been created in its armor. The invulnerable armor of the organisation was further attacked in the back when a mischievous but poignantly damaging clause in the much-publicised lollipop from Capitol Hill called Kerry-Lugar-Berman Act desired that this organisation be under true civilian authority. Again, the defenders of the nation brought much needed sanity and prevailed upon the residents of the two regal edifices in Margalla to understand the ramifications of this clause as it would not promote democracy but may unpleasantly damage the process of reconciliation and constitutional authority.
Ever since these externally initiated dents, pointing fingers towards Aabpara has become a favourite pastime for many who exert influence in this country. The self-styled liberals have joined in as a chorus and further exacerbated the situation without comprehending the sensitivity and insight of safeguarding the national strategic assets. Ironically, taking due course to the immortal words of President Harry Truman that "the buck stops here", the focus has been on the decisions and actions of those who skippered the sensitive organisation. The background of these actions has been scrutinised with a bias while opaque glasses are worn to justify the vehement opposition to what transpired behind closed doors. The ensuing result may be the beginning of demoralisation within the cadre in this organisation and may severely impact the effectiveness and capability of a premier organisation, an organisation positively recognised as an epitome of excellence within the global intelligence community. Yes, the naysayers love to call it a rogue organisation but, at the same time, it is generally acclaimed for its skill, talent, and significance.
So, where does all this lead. From a businessman's point of view, the very fact that sensitive organisations are made to come out from behind the curtain to be paraded in an alfresco environment and asked to strip bare, manifests a threatening situation for the motherland. From day one when Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto daringly announced that the denizens of this nation would eat grass but will possess the nuclear bomb, there has been an anti-Pakistani dark cloud hovering above in the skies. When the event finally took place at Chagai Hill in Balochistan, the clouds became darker and menacing. The brilliant minds overseeing the sensitive organisations ensured that the national strategic assets were well protected and safe from the daily threats from foes and friends alike. Today, the 185 million citizens are comfortable in the knowledge that in spite all odds, the assets and human resources are secure, dependable, and ready for any eventuality. This is also reassuring for the business community that is investing billions, earning foreign exchange, and providing meaningful employment.
Therefore, the business community is of the solid opinion and are united in requesting people who matter that this is not an 'us versus they' circumstance but a matter of national interest that should not become a game-scoring or an ego trip. It is imperative that all those who wield authority must be on the same page and must reflect this unified thinking in word and spirit. This is not the time for manipulative manoeuvres or polemical pursuits. This is not the time for brinkmanship or gainsaying ventures. This is not the time for putting at risk the ideology and sovereignty of the country. Pakistan is in a crisis, economically, politically, and diplomatically. What should come first? Personal agenda or national integrity? Protection of sensitive organisations, especially the ISI, and prosperity of the nation should prevail and recognised as prime priorities. This is only possible when everyone truly adheres to the clarion call, that for all Pakistanis, it is always Pakistan First. Yehi Jo Haal Raha Apni Behisi Ka Tau Phir Khuda Bachai Jo Farda Meri Nigah Mein Hai Bassi
(The writer is former President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry)