Pak Army, ISI has three basic groups, says author

Islamabad, May 26 (ANI): Observers like author Ayesha Siddiqa have pointed out that there are three basic groups within the Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) -- The Islamists, the pro-West and the pro-China elements.

Each of these two factions have their own followers and favourite journalists. All three groups are highly Islamised and they merely use US or China for their factional advantage.

According to Siddiqa, this is because Pakistan had been on the road to Islamisation very early in its history and this has affected the society.

She says that the Pakistan Taliban are well entrenched in the intelligence system and even in the establishment.

She explains this by pointing out that Pakistani courts acquitted jihadis like Lashkar e Jhangvi's Malik Ishaq. The courts acquitted those involved in the Marriot bombing case and in the suicide attack on Lt Gen Mushtaq Baig.

In Siddiqa's view the army and its intelligence agencies have become dependent on the jihadis, and therefore, they are unable to take concerted action against the jihadis except against those who have become a problem to the jihadi leadership. Meanwhile, according to some media reports, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asfaq Pervez Kayani is likely to get a larger role after he superannuates in November this year. Rumour has it that he may takeover as the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that includes overseeing operations of all three services.

The Americans would not mind this arrangement as a change at this juncture so close to Obama's deadline would not be seen to be in US interests.(ANI)