Feb 25, 2008
Army Surgeon General Killed in Rawalpindi Suicide Blast
The cease fire is apparently over. Earlier today, a suicide bomber attacked the vehicle of Lt. Gen. Mushtaq Ahmad Baig, the surgeon general of the Pakistani Army, killing him and eight others–including five civilians. There is no reason to believe he was personally targeted by the bomber. Inter-Services Public Relations spokesman Maj. Gen. Athar Abbas said that the attacker, disguised as a beggar, was “just waiting for a senior army officer” and detonated himself at a traffic signal “when he saw a staff car with the signature of a senior officer.”
Lt. Gen. Baig headed the Army Medical Corps and likely lacked the security detail provisioned to officers of similar rank within the army’s mainstream. He was apparently traveling in a black Toyota Corolla with a Pakistan Army license plate (see left). Previous attacks on the military in Rawalpindi have focused on softer, more vulnerable targets, such as employee buses. As I have written earlier, the army needs to enact more comprehensive security measures. This is essential toward renewing morale within the institution and denying the militants tactical victories.
Testimonials from those who knew the late Lt. Gen Baig center on his humility, religious piety, and professional excellence as a physician.
Undoubtedly, he was an angel disguised as human, amongst us blind fools. He was snatched of his life in a way too brutal to be described here, or rather isn’t worth being given such importance!
Humility, piety and professional excellence is an understatement in context to his person.
This is the “RED SIGNAL” where God says, He will take away the believers from the dirt(the wrong doers) and destroy the rest!
One can speak volumes, exuding disgust and what not, towards the approach of this Country and its people, i am sorry to say.
The only thing that really comes to my mind when i feel the anger and urge to express my feelings and put pen to paper is, “I am truly embarrassed of who we have become!”