Kayani’s Days ARE Numbered

Kayani is also perceived to be the weakest army chief in Pakistan. Pakistani army has witnessed many army chiefs in the past – Ayub Khan, Tikka Khan (during Indo Pakistan war in 1971), Zia Ul Haq, Yahya Khan, Musharraf and many others. During the period of these generals, Pakistan army was a disciplined lot and no open rebellion happened against the Army Chief. That this kind of rebellion is happening indicates the weakness of Kayani. Moreover Pakistan President Zardari was alleged to have expressed his fears that Kayani might topple him at any time to usurp power – according to Wikileaks documents. If this is true, Zardari will be more than happy to instigate the rebellion of Army Corps Commanders against Kayani and ease him out of power. Nawaz Sheriff also might not be happy with Kayani as he is a hand picked general of the discredited former military general and President Pervez Musharraf.

As things become hot for Kayani, he may not have the option of staging a military coup against Zardari as that may not receive any support from his Army Corps. Slowly and steadily, power is slipping out of Kayani’s hands. Kayani has no friends in the ruling party establishment – Zardari is hostile, while Geelani is at best neutral. The opposition headed by Nawaz Sheriff is gunning for his head. He has no friends even within his army. Islamic fundamentalists, all terrorist organisations and Al Qaeda want his head. His only supporter Pervez Musharraff is living in exile in Dubai, unable to step on the soils of Pakistan because of fear of arrest or assassination. In this fluid situation, anything may happen to Kayani and he seems to be distinctly in danger. If American newspaper reports are to be believed, Kayani’s end is nearing. It is better for him to vacate his job, go to some foreign country and settle down there. Very few Pakistan Army Chiefs were able to live a peaceful retired life. Jehangir Karamat was one among them without any controversy. But Kayani may not get such a fortune in his life.