Sir: I applaud General Kayani’s statement appropriately highlighted in Daily Times. I am a critic of the traditional role and conduct of the army in national affairs. I am also a critic of the bureaucracy and the judiciary for more than one reason: 1. the army for imposing martial laws; 2. the judiciary for legitimising the unconstitutional encroachment; 3. the bureaucracy for its submissiveness to martial rulers and contempt for citizens. I am also wary of individuals and political parties that collaborate with the above three to advance their respective interests that are not legitimately possible to accomplish, for most do not curry favour with voters. I hope the government, political parties and civil society can work together to advance General Kayani’s recommendations. It is common sense that one must under all circumstances maintain good relations with neighbours. Neighbours will always be neighbours whereas even friends come and go. If we wish to create strategic depth’, let us start by focusing on mending our fences and befriending our neighbours by strengthening social and economic ties. There is a widely circulated SMS from one of these spurious organisations, inciting army officers to stand up against their chief. It alleges, “General Kayani, Pak-Army ko tabah kar raha hai (destroying). General Kayani aur General Yahya Khan main koi farq nahi (There is no difference between General Kayani and General Yahya Khan). Mukhlis affsro, kya tum is dafa bhi khamoosh tamashai banay raho gay (Sincere officers, would you remain silent this time too)? I wish to observe nothing, but do want to add and insist that we do our bit to befriend our neighbours and while we do that we must take on enemies within our fold — the ones holding the nation captive. PROFESSOR IJAZ UL HASSAN Lahore