Lieutenant General Omer Ahmed Bukhari, Corps Commander Peshawar, holds one of the most influential military positions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province struggling with escalating terrorism, drone attacks, civilian casualties and serious tensions over security policy.
Questions are increasingly being raised about military influence over the province’s elected government and the accountability of those directing security operations.
Who is responsible for the deteriorating security situation? Who authorises military operations? Who answers when innocent civilians are killed? And who ensures that the constitutional authority of the elected provincial government is respected?
There is another fundamental issue.
The ranks, privileges, official residences, guards, expensive vehicles and protocols enjoyed by senior military officers are not personal entitlements inherited through their families. They are provided by the people of Pakistan, funded by public resources.
Such privileges come with a duty to serve the nation, uphold the Constitution and remain accountable to the public.
The military leadership repeatedly calls upon the people to stand with the armed forces. But public trust also requires military institutions to stand with the people, protect civilian lives and respect democratic institutions.
The citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa deserve security, constitutional governance, transparency and answers about the conduct of counterterrorism operations.
Public authority is a responsibility, not personal ownership. And no uniform, rank or position should place anyone above accountability.
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