Intelligence agencies under microscope

The recommendations that came out of the discussion were nothing esoteric but are in the knowledge of the administration. What is lacking is the political will of those that are responsible to task and direct these agencies. It needs no elaboration that this was something that was woefully missing.

The fact that a national asset, entrusted with the task of ensuring our security, has been so brazenly employed for petty party interest is inexcusable, and the government owes it to the people to explain this. One wonders when will the political parties learn to distinguish between the party, the administration and the state. Party interest must never be equated with the national interest.

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The intelligence agencies can only provide intelligence to the government. The decision on the subsequent course of action is entirely that of the government. There are reasons to believe that the reports of the intelligence agencies are not always given due credence, or do not find favour with the party in power since that might clash with its overall political and election strategy. Recent reports appearing in some newspapers confirm this view.

There is a large number of intelligence setups in the country. It is the responsibility of the government to both determine the priority of tasks as well as to coordinate their efforts and share their output. This is only possible if the government employs them without political bias, with the national security interest in view. Otherwise we are destined to suffer many more 17th August or even worse.