Senior Journalist and Army Chief Interview Controversy

The YouTube transcript provides commentary on a controversy surrounding a senior journalist, Sohail Warraich, who allegedly published a fabricated interview with Army Chief General Asim Munir. The video discusses the contents of Warraich’s columns, which detailed an apparent two-hour meeting with the Army Chief covering topics like political stability, economic crises, and foreign relations, even quoting Munir on the possibility of political reconciliation through sincere apologies. However, the Director General of ISPR vehemently denied that General Munir ever gave an interview to any journalist, asserting the described event was a public gathering where photographs were taken, and he condemned the senior journalist’s actions as irresponsible and self-serving. The source ultimately reflects on the conflicting statements from both highly respected parties and advises against seeking association with powerful figures, concluding that even their friendship or enmity is best avoided.

Warraich’s Alleged Army Chief Interview and Official Denial

The controversy involving a senior journalist centers on the publication of a purported interview or lengthy meeting with Army Chief General Asim Munir, which was subsequently and strictly denied by the military’s official spokesperson.

The Journalist and the Alleged Interview

The controversy revolves around Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, who is noted for his ability to remain prominent in journalism and is often discussed on social media.

Sohail Warraich published a column detailing a purported two-hour-long meeting and interview with Army Chief General Asim Munir. In his column, he described the encounter as a meeting between a “humble journalist” (aaj sahafi) and a “Field Marshal”. The journalist did not hide the fact that meeting General Asim Munir was a long-standing desire he had been striving for. He noted that the meeting eventually occurred in the Belgian city of Fasal.

Key alleged statements and topics from the column included:

1. Political Change and Rumors: General Asim Munir was quoted as clearly stating, during a session at a gathering and in the two-hour meeting with the journalist, that rumors about changing the President and Prime Minister were “absolutely false”. When questioned whether such reports originated from civil and military agencies, the General allegedly denied it, stating that elements opposed to the government and establishment, seeking political anarchy, were behind the rumors.
2. Personal Intentions: The General reportedly said that God made him the country’s guardian, and he had no desire for any other post, viewing himself as a soldier whose greatest desire was martyrdom.
3. Political Reconciliation (Masalhat): The General allegedly said that political reconciliation was possible through sincere heartfelt apology (sacche dil se maafi maangne se mumkin). To elaborate on forgiveness, he reportedly presented the context and translation of verses from the Holy Quran concerning the creation of Adam and the role of Satan, implying that those who apologize are like angels, while those who refuse become like Satan.
4. National Stability: The General reportedly emphasized that the civilian system should continue and be further strengthened through consultation and reconciliation to lay the foundation for a truly stable Pakistan.
5. Later Columns: Sohail Warraich continued to write on related themes, including columns on the economic crisis, international relations (balancing ties with China and America), and exposing the intentions of India and Hindutva leader Modi. A subsequent column was titled Musafir बनाम कैदी 804 (Traveler vs. Prisoner 804).

The Official Denial

The most severe criticism and official denial came from DGISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry.

• The DGISPR strictly denied the claims or contents of the alleged interview published in Sohail Warraich’s column.
• It was emphatically stated that Army Chief General Asim Munir did not give any interview to any journalist whatsoever.
• The function that the journalist attended was public in nature, where hundreds of people took photographs.
• The DGISPR clarified that during the function, neither the PTI nor any mention of apology (maafi) was made.
• The DGISPR condemned the journalist’s action as demonstrating irresponsibility and called it an “inappropriate act for sensational publicity and vested interests”.

Reactions and Analysis of the Controversy

The controversy led to significant discussion on social media, with both supporters of Sohail Warraich and severe critics present.

The official rebuttal left listeners stunned, wondering whether such a renowned senior journalist could indeed publish a fabricated or false interview of such a powerful personality.

Critical analysis of the column’s content found areas questionable, particularly the alleged statement that political reconciliation was possible through a sincere apology. This statement was seen by some as implying that the numerous cases running through the judicial system (from lower courts to the Supreme Judiciary) were essentially political “drama” and amounted to the “encirclement of political opponents” by powerful figures.

Some people argued that the senior journalist’s claim of a two-hour meeting was valid. They suggested that the powerful individuals involved could not face the critical questions arising from the contents of the lengthy meeting, leading them to issue a denial days later specifically to humiliate the senior journalist.

Ultimately, the source notes a clear contradiction between the explicit statements of the two parties (the journalist’s account and the DGISPR’s rebuttal). The author of the source concludes that a lesson learned from the entire tragedy is that one should avoid meeting great people, as neither their enmity nor their friendship is good.

The Army Chief Interview Controversy

The “Army Chief interview” refers to a significant controversy centered on a column published by Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, detailing an alleged meeting and interview with Army Chief General Asim Munir, which was subsequently and strictly denied by the military.

Here is a discussion of the controversy surrounding the purported interview:

The Senior Journalist’s Account

Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, known for his ability to remain prominent in journalism and be frequently discussed on social media, published a column detailing what he described as a lengthy meeting with General Asim Munir.

Details of the Alleged Meeting/Interview:

• Duration and Setting: Warraich claimed the encounter involved a two-hour-long meeting (do ghante taveel mulaqat). He described it as a meeting between a “humble journalist” (aaj sahafi) and a “Field Marshal”. The meeting ultimately occurred in the Belgian city of Fasal.
• Aspiration: Warraich openly stated in his column that meeting General Asim Munir had been a long-standing desire (dreenah khwahish) for which he had been striving for a long time.
• Confirmation of Intent: Warraich mentioned earlier attempts to meet the General, including conversations with the caretaker Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who reportedly conveyed Warraich’s message to the General. Warraich first met General Asim Munir at a ceremony honoring Malaysia’s Prime Minister at the Presidential Palace, where the General confirmed receiving the previous message and smiled, acknowledging Warraich’s repeated requests, and promised to meet soon.

Key Statements Attributed to General Asim Munir:

The column detailed several key points allegedly discussed during the meeting and at a public gathering attended by the General:

1. Denial of Political Change: General Asim Munir reportedly stated clearly that rumors about changing the President and Prime Minister were “absolutely false” (sarāsar jhūth hain). When asked if these reports originated from civil and military agencies, the General denied this, claiming that elements opposed to both the government and the establishment, seeking political anarchy (siyasi anarchy), were behind the rumors.
2. Personal Role and Aspirations: The General allegedly said that God made him the country’s guardian. He stated he had no desire for any other post, viewing himself as a soldier whose greatest desire was martyrdom (shahadat).
3. Path to Political Reconciliation: General Munir reportedly indicated that political reconciliation (siyasi masalhat) was possible through a “sincere heartfelt apology” (sacche dil se maafi maangne se mumkin hai). He supported this by referencing and translating verses from the Holy Quran concerning the creation of Adam and the role of Satan, implying that those who apologize are like angels, while those who refuse become like Satan.
4. National Stability: The General emphasized that the civilian system should continue and be further strengthened through consultation and reconciliation (masalhat aur masalhat) to lay the foundation for a truly stable Pakistan.
5. Later Columns: Warraich followed up with subsequent columns detailing further insights attributed to the General, including discussions on the economic crisis, balancing international ties (China and America), and exposing the intentions of India and Hindutva leader Modi. A later column was titled Traveler vs. Prisoner 804 (Musafir बनाम कैदी 804), which included advice for “Dear Prisoner G,” such as observing intense fasting until the next elections.

Official Denial and Condemnation

The most severe response came from the military’s official spokesperson, DGISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, who issued a strict denial (sakhti se tardeer).

• The DGISPR emphatically stated that Army Chief General Asim Munir did not give any interview to any journalist whatsoever.
• The event Warraich attended was public in nature, where hundreds of people took photographs.
• The DGISPR clarified that during this public function, neither the PTI nor any mention of an apology (mafi) was made.
• The DGISPR condemned the journalist’s actions as demonstrating irresponsibility (ghair zimmedari) and called it an “inappropriate act for sensational publicity and vested interests”.

Analysis and Reaction to the Contradiction

The official denial left listeners “stunned” (dambakhud), wondering if such a prominent senior journalist could publish a fabricated or false account of a meeting with the country’s most powerful figure.

Critical reception of the alleged content highlighted skepticism about the General’s alleged statement that political reconciliation required a “sincere apology”. Critics felt this statement implied that the numerous cases running through the courts (from lower courts to the Supreme Judiciary) were mere political “drama” (dramabazi) orchestrated by powerful figures to surround their political opponents.

Conversely, some people argued that the senior journalist’s claim of a two-hour meeting was true, suggesting that powerful individuals could not face the scrutiny stemming from the contents of such a lengthy interaction and therefore issued a denial days later specifically to humiliate the senior journalist.

The source material notes a clear contradiction (khula tazaad) between the explicit statements of the two parties (Warraich’s column and the DGISPR’s rebuttal). The author of the source concludes by stating that a lesson learned from this entire situation is that one should avoid meeting “great people,” as neither their enmity nor their friendship is good.

Army Chief Denies Coup Rumors: A Media Controversy

The discussion regarding political change rumors stems directly from the controversy surrounding the column published by Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, detailing his alleged lengthy meeting with Army Chief General Asim Munir.

General Asim Munir’s Alleged Stance on Rumors

According to the account published by Sohail Warraich, the discussion with the Army Chief specifically began with political matters, focusing on certain prevalent rumors.

Key Points Allegedly Addressed:

• The Nature of the Rumors: The discussion centered on rumors concerning efforts to change the President of Pakistan (Sadr-e-Pakistan) and the Prime Minister (Wazir-e-Azam).
• Denial of Change: General Asim Munir reportedly stated clearly, both during a public session and in the alleged two-hour meeting with the journalist, that the rumors about such political changes were “absolutely false” (sarāsar jhūth hain).
• Source of the Rumors: When the General was asked if these reports and rumors originated from civil and military agencies, he allegedly denied this possibility.
• Attribution of Rumors: General Munir reportedly asserted that the elements behind these rumors were those who are opposed to both the government and the establishment (Hukūmat aur muqadra donon ke mukhalif). The General allegedly stated that the objective of these elements was to create political anarchy (siyasi anarchy).

Context of the Alleged Statements

The alleged confirmation that the civilian system should continue and be further strengthened was reportedly intended to lay the foundation for a truly stable Pakistan.

However, it is crucial to note that the military’s official spokesperson, DGISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, later issued a strict denial (sakhti se tardeer) regarding the contents of Warraich’s column, emphatically stating that General Asim Munir did not give any interview to any journalist whatsoever. The DGISPR condemned the publication as an inappropriate act for sensational publicity.

Pakistan Civil-Military Relations: Interview Allegation and Denial

The discussion of civil-military relations, based on the sources provided, is framed primarily by the alleged statements of Army Chief General Asim Munir in a column written by Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, and the subsequent official denial issued by the military establishment.

The sources reveal three main themes concerning civil-military relations: the military’s alleged view on political stability, the concept of political reconciliation, and the inherent tension revealed by the controversy itself.

1. The Military’s Alleged Role in Supporting the Civilian System

According to the account published by Sohail Warraich, General Asim Munir made several statements reinforcing the supremacy and continuity of the civilian framework:

• Denial of Regime Change: General Munir reportedly addressed rumors circulating about efforts to change the President or the Prime Minister, stating clearly that these rumors were “absolutely false” (sarāsar jhūth hain).
• Source of Instability: When questioned if these reports originated from civil and military agencies, the General allegedly denied this possibility. Instead, he attributed the spread of such rumors to elements opposed to both the government (Hukūmat) and the establishment (muqadra), whose intent was to create political anarchy (siyasi anarchy).
• Desire for Civil Continuity: The General allegedly emphasized that the civilian system (civilian nizam) should continue and be further enhanced through consultation and reconciliation (masalhat aur masalhat). This was seen as necessary to lay the foundation for a truly stable Pakistan.
• Advice for Cooperation: In a later column, the journalist reported that General Munir advised ascrīyat (military/establishment) and aksarīyat (majority/civilian side) to walk by joining hands.

The General reportedly defined his personal role not by political ambition but as a soldier whom God made the country’s guardian (muhafaz), stating he had no desire for any post other than that of a soldier whose greatest desire was martyrdom.

2. Reconciliation and the Role of Powerful Figures

A crucial point in the alleged interview dealt with the conditions for political healing or reconciliation (siyasi masalhat):

• Condition for Reconciliation: General Munir allegedly stated that political reconciliation was possible through a “sincere heartfelt apology” (sacche dil se maafi maangne se mumkin hai).
• Critical Interpretation: This specific alleged statement led to a critical analysis within the sources, suggesting that if an apology was the condition for reconciliation, it implied that the numerous court cases running through the judicial system (from lower courts to the Supreme Judiciary) were essentially political “drama” (dramabazi) orchestrated by powerful figures to execute the “encirclement of political opponents”. This interpretation suggests deep systemic issues underlying the relationship between political and institutional power.

3. Evident Tension and Contradiction

The controversy itself highlights a major point of tension in civil-military communications:

• Official Rebuttal: The military’s official spokesperson, DGISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, issued a strict denial (sakhti se tardeer) of the alleged interview and its contents.
• Denial of Interaction: The DGISPR emphatically stated that Army Chief General Asim Munir did not give any interview to any journalist whatsoever.
• Condemnation: The DGISPR criticized the journalist for acting with irresponsibility (ghair zimmedari) and conducting an “inappropriate act for sensational publicity and vested interests”.
• Conflicting Narratives: The presence of a clear contradiction (khula tazaad) between the journalist’s detailed account of a two-hour meeting and the DGISPR’s explicit denial underscores the challenge in verifying narratives regarding interactions between powerful military figures and the media. Some observers suggested the denial was issued days later specifically to humiliate the senior journalist because the powerful individuals involved could not face the critical questions arising from the contents of the lengthy meeting.

Powerful People’s Political and Cautionary Advice

The discussion regarding “powerful people advice” in the sources revolves around three key areas: the specific guidance allegedly offered by Army Chief General Asim Munir in the disputed interview, the advice given to a political prisoner in a subsequent column, and the final cautionary advice offered by the source author regarding powerful individuals generally.

1. Advice Allegedly Given by Army Chief General Asim Munir

In the controversial column by Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich, General Asim Munir allegedly offered advice and clear statements regarding political conduct and national stability, which were later strictly denied by the DGISPR.

On Political Stability and the Civilian System:

• General Munir allegedly advised that the civilian system (civilian nizam) should continue.
• He recommended that the system be further enhanced and made representative through consultation and reconciliation (masalhat aur masalhat) to lay the foundation for a truly stable Pakistan.
• He reportedly stated that rumors regarding changing the President or Prime Minister were “absolutely false” (sarāsar jhūth hain). He advised that those spreading such rumors were elements opposed to the government and establishment seeking to create political anarchy (siyasi anarchy).
• General Munir reportedly advised both the ascrīyat (military/establishment) and the aksarīyat (majority/civilian side) to proceed by joining hands (baham hath milakar chalne).

On Political Reconciliation:

• The most significant alleged advice concerned political reconciliation (siyasi masalhat), which the General reportedly stated was possible only through a “sincere heartfelt apology” (sacche dil se maafi maangne se mumkin hai).
• To explain this need for apology, he allegedly recited and translated verses from the Holy Quran concerning the creation of Adam and the role of Satan, drawing the parallel that those who apologize become like angels, while those who refuse become like Satan.

2. Advice to Political Opponents (“Prisoner G”)

In a subsequent column titled Traveler vs. Prisoner 804 (Musafir बनाम कैदी 804), written in the same context, Senior Journalist Sohail Warraich offered advice directed at “Dear Prisoner G” (Dear कैदी जी):

• The journalist advised “Prisoner G” to observe intense fasting (chubhkar roza rakh lo) until the next elections.
• The column also included the philosophical advice that “If there is life, there is the world” (jaan hai to jahan hai).

3. Cautionary Advice on Powerful People

The author of the source material offered a strong concluding piece of advice based on the overall controversy—the fact that a renowned senior journalist’s detailed account of a two-hour meeting was strictly denied days later, leading to his humiliation:

• The lesson learned from the “entire tragedy” (sare sane) is that one should avoid meeting great people (bade logon ki mulaqat se bachkar hi rehna chahiye).
• The ultimate cautionary advice is that neither their enmity nor their friendship is good (Inki dushmani achi na dosti).

इंसानों के नाम अफजार रिहान ताकतवरों की दोस्ती अच्छी ना दुश्मनी हमारे ममदूर सीनियर सहाफी जनाब सोहेल वज की यह क्वालिटी है कि वो सहाफत में नुमाया रहना जानते हैं किसी ना किसी हवाले से सोशल मीडिया पर डिस्कस होते रहते हैं आपकी बात तो वो ऐसे छाए हैं कि दरवेश जदा रह गया हर पोस्ट सोेल ओश के नाम से सामने आ रही थी इनके हिमायतियों की कमी थी ना इन पर शदीद तरीन तनकीद करने वालों की सबसे दृष्ट तनकीद डीजीआईएसपीआर लेफ्टिनेंट जनरल अहमद शरीफ चौधरी ने थी जिन्होंने सोेल वच के तालम में छपने वाले आर्मी चीफ के साथ किए गए इनके मुबईना इंटरव्यू के मददात या दामों की सख्ती से तरदीद करते हुए यहां तक कह दिया कि आर्मी चीफ जनरल आसम मनीर ने किसी सहाफी को सिरे से कोई इंटरव्यू ही नहीं दिया वो तकरीब आवामी नयत की थी जिसमें सैकड़ों अफराद ने तसावीर बनवाई तकरीब के दौरान ना तो पीटीआई का जिक्र हुआ और ना किसी माफी की बात की गई अफसोस की बात है कि सीनियर सफी ने गैर जिम्मेदारी का मुजा किया यह मौजाती तशीर और मफाद के लिए नामसब हरकत थी सुनने वाले दम ब खुद रह गए कि क्या वाकई ऐसे हो सकता है कि इतना बड़ा नामवर सीनियर सहाफी आर्मी चीफ जैसी ताकतवर तरीन शख्सियत का मनत जाली या झूठा इंटरव्यू छाप दे यह कह दे कि मेरी इनके साथ दो घंटे तवील मुलाकात हुई है जिसके मुतालिक वो सबसे बड़े अखबार में शाया होने वाले अपने कॉलम में यह लिखे कि यह एक आज सहाफी और फील्ड मार्शल की मुलाकात थी जिसमें मेरे खुरदरे सवालात थे और उनके वाज़ और शफाफ़ जवाबात सियासत से शुरू हुई बिलखसूस इन अफवाहों पर के सदर पाकिस्तान और वज़रआज़म को तब्दील करने पर काम हो रहा है जनरल आसिम मुनीर ने बस के जलसे में और मेरे साथ दो घंटे की तवील नशिस्त में वाज़ तौर पर कहा कि तब्दीली के बारे में अफवाहें सरासर झूठ हैं जब इनसे पूछा गया कि यह सब खबरें तो सिविल और असकरी एजेंसियों की तरफ से आई हैं तो उन्होंने कहा ऐसा मुमकिन नहीं दरअसल इनके पीछे हुकूमत और मुकदरा दोनों के मुखालिफ और सियासी अनारकी पैदा करने वाले अनासिर हैं अपने अज़ायम पर उन्होंने स्टेज पर खड़े होकर कहा कि खुदा ने मुझे मुल्क का मुहाफिज बनाया है मुझे इसके अलावा किसी ओदे की ख्वाहिश नहीं मैं एक सिपाही हूं और मेरी सबसे बड़ी ख्वाहिश शहादत है सियासी हवाले से किए गए सवाल पर उन्होंने कहा कि सियासी मसालत सच्चे दिल से माफी मांगने से मुमकिन है इस हवाले से उन्होंने स्टेज पर कुरान पाक की आदम की तखलीक और शैतान के किरदार के हवाले से आयात का मतन और तर्जुमा सुनाया जिससे वाज़ होता था कि शुरू में फरिश्तों को आदम से मसला था मगर खुदा ने आदम को तखलीक किया तो सिवाय इब्लीस के सब फरिश्तों ने इंसान को खुदा का हुक्म और करिश्मा समझकर कबूल कर लिया गोया माफी मांगने वाले फरिश्ते रहे और माफी ना मांगने वाला शैतान बन गया सीनियर सफी ने इसके बाद अपने कॉलम में जनरल आसिम मनीर के हवाले से खासी तफसीलात दी हैं जैसे कि मुशी बहरान के हवाले से और फिर बैनुलवामी हवाले से चाइना और अमेरिका से ताल्लुकात में तवाजन के हवाले से फिर भारत और हिंदुत्व रहनुमा मोदी के अम को बेनकाब करने के हवाले से तफसीलात हैं एंड इन अल्फाज़ पर है कि फील्ड मार्शल ने इस आजज की मारूजात को कमाल मेहरबानी से सुना सबसे बड़ी आवाज तो यही है कि सिविलियन निजाम चलता रहे इसको मसलत और मसालत से मजीद नुमाइंदा बनाया जाए ताकि वाकई मुस्ताकम पाकिस्तान की बुनियाद रखी जा सके इसके बाद अगले रोज के कालम में इसी पसमंजर के साथ मजीद बहुत कुछ है जिसका अनुवान है मुसाफिर बनाम कैदी 804 इसमें डियर कैदी जी के लिए बहुत सी हिदायत हैं कि अगले इंतखाबाबत तक चुभकर रोजा रख लो और यह कि जान है तो जहान है वगैरह और फिर इससे अगले रोज 18 अगस्त को फिर असियत और अक्सरियत की बहस है सीनियर सफी रकमतराज हैं कि जनरल आसिम मुनीर ने बर्स्ट में कहा कि हम बेशतर बहरानों से निकल आए हैं और यह कि आने वाले दिनों में मजीद बेहतरी आएगी इसमें उन्होंने अस्रियत और अक्सरियत को बाहम हाथ मिलाकर चलने के मशवरे देते हुए इख्ताम इस शेर पर किया है अब जिसके जी में आए वही पाए रोशनी हमने तो दिल जला के सरेआम रख दिया अब अगर इन मंदरजात बाला या कालमों में जो दीगर तफसीलात हैं इनका तनकीदी जायजा लिया जाए तो वाकई बहुत कुछ काबिले गिरफ्त है दरवेश को पहला कॉलम पढ़ते ही हैरत हुई थी कि जनरल साहब ने आखिर इस नो की बात कैसे कह दी कि सियासी मसाल है सच्चे दिल से माफी मांगने से मुमकिन है इसका मतलब तो वाज़ तौर पर यह हुआ कि निचली अदालतों से लेकर सुप्रीम जुडिशरी तक थोक के हिसाब से जो मुकदमात चल रहे हैं इनकी असियत तो जीरो हो गई मुकदमात नहीं वह सब ताकतवर शख्सियत की तरफ से अपने सियासी मुखालफ़ का घेराव है यह तो एक तरह से ड्रामाबाजी हुई शायद इसी वजह से बहुत से लोगों ने यह कहना शुरू कर दिया कि सीनियर साफी ने इंटरव्यू तो बिल्कुल सही किया है इनके इस दावे में वजन है कि जनरल साहब से इनकी मुलाकात 2 घंटों पर मोहित रही लेकिन जब इस त्ववीर मुलाकात का हवाल छपा तो इस पर तनकीदी सवालात आने ही थे ताकतवर क्योंकि इन सवालात का सामना नहीं कर सके इसलिए कुछ दिन गुजारने के बाद तरदीद करते हुए सीनियर सफी की तज़लील कर दी सीनियर साफी ने अपने कालम में यह अम्र भी पोशीदा नहीं रखा कि जनरल आसिम अजीर से मुलाकात इनकी दरीना ख्वाहिश थी जिसके लिए वह अरसे से तगोद करते चले आ रहे थे इस सिलसिले में उन्होंने वजीर दाखला मुस्त नकवी से मुख्तलिफ मवाके पर होने वाले तर्ख मुकालमों का भी जिक्र किया है जिन्होंने उन्हें बताया कि आपका खात और पैगाम मैंने जनरल साहब को पहुंचा दिया और उन्होंने मुस्कुराकर उसे आईएसआई के सरबरा जनरल आसिम मलिक के हवाले कर दिया मुझे मोहसन नकवी की बात का यकीन ना आया और मैं समझा कि यह बात सिर्फ मुझे टालने के लिए है मगर दूसरे दिन मलाइशिया के वज़र एआज़म को इजाज़ देने की तकरीब सदारती महल में हुई तो वहीं पहली दफे जनरल आसिम मनी से मुलाकात हुई उन्होंने ना सिर्फ गुजस्ता रोज के पैगाम की तस्दीक की बल्कि वक्तन वक्तन मेरी दरख्वास्तों का भी मुस्कुरा कर इकरार किया और कहा कि वो जरूर जल्द मिलेंगे बिल आखिर वो पहली मुलाकात बेल्जियम के शहर फसल में हुई हर दो शख्सियात के यह वाज़ बयानात सबके सामने और इनमें जो खुला तजाद है हमारे पास कोई गीदड़ सिंी नहीं है जिससे उसे छुपाया जा सके ना ही हम किसी को झूठा कह सकते हैं दोनों ही हमारे लिए काबिल सद एतराम है अब मौके के गवाह क्या बोल रहे हैं मुमकिन है इनमें भी इजाद खलाफ हो इस सारे साने से सबक ये सीखा है कि बड़े लोगों की मुलाकात से बचकर ही रहना चाहिए इनकी दुश्मनी अच्छी ना दोस्ती अपनी तो कभी यह तमन्ना ही नहीं हुई कि फला ताकतवर से किसी भी तरह मिला जाए या इसकी मदासराई की जाए इंसानों से मोहब्बत मजबू ूर करती है कि दुखी इंसान चाहे वो किसी भी मुल्क कौम या मजहब से हो इनकी दबी आवाजों को अपनी आवाज बनाया जाए हमारे आइडियल बुजुर्ग अब्दुल ईदी कहा करते थे कि मैंने जन्नत में मौज मस्ती वालों के पास जाकर क्या करना है मैं तो दोख में जाना चाहता हूं ताकि वहां दुखी लोगों की मदद कर सकूं

انسانوں کے نام، اظفر ریحان، طاقتور سے دوستی اچھی نہ دشمنی۔ ہمارے پیارے سینئر صحافی جناب سہیل واج میں یہ خوبی ہے کہ وہ صحافت میں نمایاں رہنا جانتے ہیں۔ وہ سوشل میڈیا پر کسی نہ کسی وجہ سے زیر بحث رہتا ہے۔ ان کی بات کریں تو وہ اس قدر مقبول ہیں کہ درویش دنگ رہ جاتے ہیں۔ ہر پوسٹ سہیل واج کے نام سے نکل رہی تھی۔ ان کے حامیوں کی کوئی کمی نہیں تھی۔ ان پر سب سے زیادہ تنقید کرنے والے ڈی جی آئی ایس پی آر لیفٹیننٹ جنرل احمد شریف چوہدری تھے جنہوں نے سہیل وج کے جریدے میں شائع ہونے والے آرمی چیف کے انٹرویو کی شرائط و ضوابط کی سخت مذمت کی اور یہاں تک کہا کہ آرمی چیف جنرل آسام منیر نے کسی بھی صحافی کو انٹرویو نہیں دیا۔ یہ ایک عوامی جلسہ تھا جس میں سینکڑوں لوگوں نے تصویریں بنوائیں۔ ملاقات کے دوران نہ تو پی ٹی آئی کا ذکر ہوا اور نہ ہی کوئی معافی مانگی گئی۔ سینئر صحافی کا غیر ذمہ داری کا مظاہرہ افسوسناک ہے۔ میں حیران تھا کہ یہ ظاہری اثر و رسوخ اور مفاد پرستی کا کام تھا۔ سننے والے دنگ رہ گئے، سوچنے لگے کہ کیا ایسا ممکن ہے کہ اتنا نامور سینئر صحافی آرمی چیف جیسی طاقتور شخصیت کا جعلی یا جھوٹا انٹرویو شائع کرے اور یہ دعویٰ کرے کہ ان سے دو گھنٹے طویل ملاقات ہوئی، جس کے بارے میں وہ معروف اخبار میں شائع ہونے والے اپنے کالم میں لکھیں گے کہ یہ ایک صحافی اور فیلڈ مارشل کی ملاقات تھی، جس میں میرے واضح سوالات اور سیاست پر مبنی واضح جوابات تھے۔ خاص طور پر ان افواہوں کے حوالے سے کہ صدر پاکستان اور وزیر اعظم کو تبدیل کرنے کے لیے کام ہو رہا ہے، جنرل عاصم منیر نے بس ریلی میں اور مجھ سے دو گھنٹے طویل ملاقات میں واضح طور پر کہا کہ تبدیلی کی افواہیں سراسر غلط ہیں۔ جب ان سے پوچھا گیا کہ یہ تمام رپورٹس سول اور ملٹری ایجنسیوں سے آئی ہیں تو انہوں نے کہا کہ یہ ممکن نہیں ہے۔ درحقیقت ان کے پیچھے حکومت اور مقدمہ دونوں کے مخالفین ہیں اور سیاسی انتشار پیدا کرنے والے عناصر ہیں۔ اپنے جرم پر اس نے سٹیج پر کھڑے ہو کر کہا کہ خدا نے مجھے ملک کا محافظ بنایا ہے۔ میں اس کے علاوہ کسی اور عہدے کی خواہش نہیں رکھتا۔ میں ایک سپاہی ہوں اور میری سب سے بڑی خواہش شہادت ہے۔ سیاسی معاملات سے متعلق پوچھے جانے پر انہوں نے کہا کہ سیاسی کامیابی دل سے معافی مانگنے سے ہی ممکن ہے۔ اس سلسلے میں انہوں نے آدم کی تخلیق اور شیطان کے کردار کے حوالے سے قرآن پاک کی آیت کا مفہوم اور ترجمہ سنایا جس کا مطلب یہ تھا کہ ابتدا میں فرشتوں کو آدم کے ساتھ مسئلہ تھا لیکن جب اللہ تعالیٰ نے آدم کو پیدا کیا تو ابلیس کے علاوہ تمام فرشتوں نے انسان کو خدا کا حکم اور معجزہ مان لیا گویا معافی مانگنے والے فرشتے ہی رہے اور جنہوں نے معافی مانگی وہ فرشتے بن گئے۔ اس کے بعد سینئر صفی نے اپنے کالم میں جنرل عاصم منیر کے حوالے سے کافی تفصیلات بتائیں، جیسا کہ چین اور امریکہ کے تعلقات میں توازن کے حوالے سے مشی بہران اور پھر بین الوامی کا حوالہ دیا۔ پھر بھارت اور ہندوتوا لیڈر مودی کے کارناموں کے بے نقاب ہونے کے حوالے سے تفصیلات ہیں اور ان الفاظ میں یہ ہے کہ فیلڈ مارشل نے اس ملک کی مشکلات کو بڑی مہربانی سے سنا۔ سب سے بڑا مطالبہ یہ ہے کہ سویلین نظام جاری رہنا چاہیے اور اسے مسائل اور اصولوں کا زیادہ نمائندہ بنایا جائے تاکہ صحیح معنوں میں مستحکم پاکستان کی بنیاد رکھی جا سکے۔ اس کے بعد اگلے روز کے کالم میں انہی خطوط پر مزید کچھ ہے جس کا ترجمہ ہے مسافر بمقابلہ قیدی 804۔ اس میں پیارے قیدی جی کے لیے بہت سی ہدایات ہیں کہ اگلے انتخابات تک صبر سے روزے رکھیں اور جان قیمتی ہے وغیرہ۔ اور پھر اگلے دن 18 اگست کو پھر ایک بار پھر اس پر بحث ومباحثہ ہو گی۔ سینئر سیفی رکتمراج کا کہنا ہے کہ جنرل عاصم منیر نے پھٹ پھٹ سے کہا کہ ہم زیادہ تر مشکلات سے نکل آئے ہیں اور آنے والے دنوں میں مزید بہتری آئے گی۔ اس میں انہوں نے عصیت اور اکثریت کا ذکر کیا۔ ہاتھ ملا کر چلنے کی نصیحت کرتے ہوئے اس شعر کا اختتام کیا ہے: اب جو چلنا چاہے وہ روشنی پائے۔ میں نے اپنے دل کو جلا کر کھلا رکھا ہے۔ اب اگر ان مندروں یا کالموں کی دیگر تفصیلات کا باریک بینی سے جائزہ لیا جائے تو درحقیقت درویشوں نے بہت کچھ پکڑ لیا ہے۔

پہلا کالم پڑھ کر میں حیران ہوا کہ جنرل صاحب یہ کیسے کہہ سکتے ہیں کہ یہ ایک سیاسی مسئلہ ہے اور اسے مخلصانہ معذرت سے حل کیا جاسکتا ہے۔ اس کا بنیادی مطلب یہ ہے کہ نچلی عدالتوں سے سپریم جوڈیشری تک چلنے والے زیادہ تر مقدمات حقیقت میں صفر ہو چکے ہیں۔ یہ مقدمات نہیں بلکہ ایک طاقتور شخص کی سیاسی مخالفت کا محاصرہ ہیں۔ یہ ایک طرح کا ڈرامہ ہے۔ شاید اسی لیے بہت سے لوگوں نے کہنا شروع کر دیا کہ سینئر صافی نے درست انٹرویو کیا ہے۔ ان کے اس دعوے میں وزن ہے کہ جنرل صاحب سے ان کی ملاقات دو گھنٹے تک جاری رہی۔ لیکن جب اس مختصر ملاقات کا احوال شائع ہوا تو اسے تنقیدی سوالات کا سامنا کرنا پڑا۔ طاقتور شخص ان سوالوں کا سامنا نہ کرسکا، اس لیے کچھ دن تردید کرنے کے بعد اس نے سینئر صفی کی تذلیل کی۔ سینئر صفی نے اپنے کالم میں اس حقیقت کو بھی نہیں چھپایا کہ جنرل عاصم عزیر سے ملاقات ان کی شدید خواہش تھی، جس کے لیے وہ کافی عرصے سے کوششیں کر رہے تھے۔ اس تناظر میں انہوں نے وزیر داخلہ مصطفیٰ نقوی کے ساتھ مختلف مواقع پر ہونے والی تفصیلی بات چیت کا بھی ذکر کیا، جنہوں نے انہیں بتایا کہ ’’میں نے آپ کا خط اور پیغام جنرل صاحب تک پہنچا دیا ہے‘‘ اور انہوں نے مسکراتے ہوئے اسے آئی ایس آئی کے سربراہ جنرل عاصم ملک کے حوالے کیا۔ میں نے محسن نقوی کی باتوں پر یقین نہیں کیا اور سوچا کہ یہ صرف مجھے ہٹانے کی کوشش ہے۔ تاہم اگلے دن جب ملائیشیا کے وزیراعظم کو اجازت دینے کی تقریب صدارتی محل میں ہوئی تو میں پہلی بار جنرل عاصم مانی سے ملا۔ انہوں نے نہ صرف روزمرہ کے پیغام کی تصدیق کی بلکہ مسکراتے ہوئے وقتاً فوقتاً میری فرمائشیں بھی قبول کیں اور کہا کہ جلد ضرور ملیں گے۔ آخرکار وہ پہلی ملاقات بیلجیئم کے شہر فاسا میں ہوئی۔ دونوں شخصیات میں سے ہر ایک کی یہ تقریریں اور بیانات سب کے سامنے تھے اور ان کے درمیان کھلا تضاد کچھ ایسا ہے جس کو چھپانے کے لیے ہمارے پاس کوئی عذر نہیں ہے اور نہ ہی ہم کسی کو جھوٹا کہہ سکتے ہیں۔ وہ ہمارے انتہائی احترام کے لائق ہے۔ اب اس واقعے کے عینی شاہدین کیا کہہ رہے ہیں، عین ممکن ہے کہ اس کے خلاف بھی کوئی بغاوت ہو۔ اس سب سے سبق یہ ملتا ہے کہ بڑے لوگوں سے ملنے سے دور رہنا چاہیے۔ نہ ان کی دشمنی اچھی نہ میری دوستی اچھی۔ مجھے کبھی کسی طاقتور شخص سے ملنے یا اس کا ساتھ دینے کی خواہش نہیں تھی۔ انسانوں سے محبت ہمیں مجبور کرتی ہے کہ ہم ناخوش لوگوں کی دبی ہوئی آوازیں نکالیں، خواہ وہ کسی بھی ملک، برادری یا مذہب سے تعلق رکھتے ہوں، ہمارے مثالی بزرگ عبدالعدی کہتے تھے کہ جنت میں جانے کا کیا فائدہ جو خود لطف اندوز ہوں، میں مصیبت میں جانا چاہتا ہوں تاکہ وہاں کے ناخوش لوگوں کی مدد کر سکوں۔