Infected by the loathsome disease of corruption, cronyism, plunder and political immaturity, the government has brought every stratum of society to the lowest depth. It pains everyone to witness, helplessly, the constant drifting and drowning of their motherland. Fire from within and without has engulfed the nation, thus effectively destroying our national aspirations. The country has been reduced to a low wretchedness. The attack on GHQ by the terrorists, and the killing and capturing of the inmates were a rude shock. To this day, little is known how it all happened. In the case of Osama bin Laden (OBL), the world has been led to believe the elimination of the most dreaded terrorist, leaving some aspects yet shrouded. It sounds illogical that Osama was able to avoid every eye around his compound in a scenic city so close to army barracks, with no escape tunnels, guards and guns for security. Being alone and unarmed, the SEALs could have captured him alive. Was it an intelligence failure, a negligence or complicity at some level? Why the wanted man was buried at sea so hurriedly? The sovereignty of a nuclear state was trampled with the least concern and consideration. The nation was yet again traumatised over the horrific scenes of guns and grenades hurled by terrorists, who managed their entry into the most protected sensitive site at the Mehran Naval Facility to destroy national assets. The forensic findings and DNA investigations reveal the perpetrators to be of foreign origin. Could they be private contractors like Raymond Davis or 7,000 unverified visa visitors? It has compounded the mystery and gravity of the incident. This all has seriously dented the capability and credibility of our security apparatus as a potent arm of the state. The ruling party has disappointed the man on the street, who equally is dismayed over the role of the opposition. Adjectives and invectives for one truly hold good for the other. Maulvi, Maulana, Mullah or any such title to berate an opponent falls short of decency expected of a man at the top. It is violative of a judicial ruling and against the norms, decor and dignity of his office. Politicians as leaders stand discredited altogether. Most of us have been terming the war on terror a 'treacherous war waged against Muslims. We are fighting others war and killing our own people. The country is trapped in complexities of serious dimensions. Enough of Muslim blood has been shed with no hope for its honourable close. We have been and are being repeatedly asked to shed more blood with do more mantra. The Pakistan Army is essentially an army of practising Muslims and the composition of its rank and file is based on ingrained Islamic teachings. If we trace back the root cause of our ills, the lead goes to the despicable NRO that ensured the installation of a government composed of an ill-reputed government. Despite being annulled, cronies with questionable antecedents and the culprits continue to reap its benefits. Discipline, training and authority notwithstanding, the moving force behind a battle and in rendering the supreme sacrifice is the spirit of jihad. General Ziaul Haq, on being appointed as Chief of the Army Staff, not long after our defeat and dismemberment, worked hard to inculcate, instil and preserve the Islamic content and consciousness in the army. He knew full well that a secular army cannot be drafted and maintained from amongst a conservative Muslim society. He granted a gazetted status to the unit religious teachers and enforced religious training at formation level. As a motivation, he gave the motto of Emaan, Taqwa, Jihad Fisabilillah to the army, much to the dislike of the then ruling party. Not only this in the army, he tried to mould every aspect of our social life in accordance with the teachings and tenets of Islam. It was for his services to the cause that a secular and westernised Musharraf was impelled to seek my services as Federal Minister for Religious Affairs to harmonise and channelise the religious forces. The recent onslaught and sickening criticism directed against the security establishment, levelling accusations and pointing fingers is unjustified and unfortunate, indeed. The army bashing and severe criticism has been so piercing, that even an arch archer and a marksman MNA is seeking throwing in the towel He should prevail upon his leadership to introspect as to why it is losing ground with each passing day. I would suggest and advise all those criticising, blaming and bashing the army not to cross the limits. The army has already spoken, and spoken well through the Perceptual Biases. The army has and continues to offer tremendous services and sacrifices for the country. Saving billions it has already altered or deferred the decision to build GHQ at the countrys capital. Yet, it is being targeted through a multi-pronged strategy. The campaign is synchronised, spontaneous and simultaneous. The ferocity itself is serious. Henchmen are howling hoarse. Efforts are on to create a wedge between the army and the people. Little surprise and no coincidence that what is said and printed abroad is reproduced here so religiously. In the thick of provincialisation and regionalisation of the already fragmented state and society, the army drawn from all the four corners of the country is a strong force for national integration and cohesion. It is difficult to reconcile with the rhetoric of criticism. Belittling such a balancing force is a heinous crime. Why have we closed our eyes and forgotten that corpses and coffins, wrapped in national flag, is almost a daily drill and ritual. To offer the supreme sacrifice one needs the highest degree of devotion, motivation and determination, which all come through an ideological commitment. Some individuals may have a cause of complaint against past military leaders. But to blame the army as a whole is not justified. It must stay as a potent and proud institution. Wearing pride and dignity, it must put up a brave face. Patriotism, conviction, courage, devotion to duty and a true sense of sacrifice are the hallmarks of a soldier. He and his institution must not be on the defensive. Ours is a national army and has a duty and obligation to the nation. And it has the duty to save the motherland from ruin. Having failed to get along with General Gul and Air Marshal Rahim, Bhutto had to take the two chiefs virtually hostage before announcing their successors. Sensing something, Aslam Beg had to be made Chairman JCSC with enhanced authority and powers. To turn him into an ineffective non-entity, the government had to designate his successor much in advance. Once felt feasible, he was eased out coolly and clandestinely. Deputy Speaker National Assembly was summoned by General Janjua to GHQ to be told to learn. General Kakar evicted occupants of both the highest Houses. General Jehangir Karamat himself chose to retreat and retire - against advice. The all-powerful Prime Minister could not get rid of General Musharraf in October 1999. The authors and architects of the Higher Defence Organisation had in mind the principle of civilian supremacy, lowering the designation of Commander-in-Chief to Chief of the Army Staff and relegating his position and protocol in the 'Warrants of Precedence. Did it all work to their expectations? Amongst the political pundits, is there also a statesman around? A statesman of stature and standing - with vision and wisdom - who would have the courage, credentials and character to act supreme? Feebleness and fragility are, unfortunately, the hallmarks of our civilian supremacy n The writer is the President of PML-Z.