“There is an old observation: ‘God and the Soldier all men adore in time of trouble and no more; when the danger is past, God is forgotten, and the Soldier slighted.’ Francis Quarles. The tragedy is that centuries later, some people still prove its truth. They enjoy the security that others provide and then mock those who provided it.”

These days I am caught up in the controversy directed at the ‘Shuhada/Shaheeds’ of the Armed Forces. It disturbs me. My heart goes out to the rank and file, the young men and officers, who serve their country with valour, honour, and courage, and to belittle such people is highly uncalled for. Having walked the battlefields of yesteryear in Pakistan as well as outside of Pakistan, with young officers and soldiers, now in my retirement, I cannot allow them to be so insulted without declaring where my loyalties lie. I owe this to the officers, men of the rank and file – I shall always stand with you.

Recently, a politician of a dubious reputation, disguised as a self-appointed religious authority, took it upon himself to insult and belittle military martyrs, the dead and the fallen, who now lie silently and cannot give a befitting reply. He, amongst others in the past, has from time to time drawn mileage by cynical insults and derogatory remarks. I felt I needed to respond – however, my response is for the young men and soldiers of the Armed Forces and not to this person, who can neither comprehend what is said, nor can live by the values they define – all I want to say about him is, that his statements are purely a reflection of his own low standards so don’t let them lower your morale, composure or resolve. Your country needs you. To him, all I have to say is: Criticize power if you must, but do not mistake the soldier for the politician, the sentry for the strategist, or the grave of the fallen for the office of the powerful. When criticism loses that distinction, it ceases to be accountability and becomes prejudice.

Being paid to perform a duty does not diminish the value of the sacrifice when that duty costs a........

© Paradigm Shift