South Asia

Both new leaders of Pakistan Army and commanders have different background than their predecessors as both were green soldiers (officers) when 1977 martial law was clamped in Pakistan by Gen Ziaul Haq and concept of Strategic Depth was ruling the minds of top leadership and Jihad strategy was the driving force of Pakistan Army. Both were away from Afghan-Russian Jihad and its related high stakes games. Before 1977, the concept of fighting for the nation and for the country was rule of law and nationalism was the bread of soul of soldiers and officers but Gen. Ziaul Haq changed the entire concept of pakistan Army by puting Jihad Fisabeelullah (Jihad for nothing just for God) and and Pakistan Army was raised as soldiers of whole Muslim World instead of Pakistan and they were asked that they are soldiers of Allah and for the rule of Allah wherever it is needed. Nationalism was put at back burner and concept of Islamic Army was promoted instead of Pakistan Army. Therefore zia collected link minded officials around him but now this lot has gone away with new promotions during the last five year. Lieutenant General Rashad Mahmood was commissioned in May 1975 in Baloch Regiment while Lieutenant General Raheel Sharif was commissioned in Oct 1976 in 6th Battalion “The Frontier Force Regiment”