Fasih Bokhari

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Chief of Naval Staff
In office
2 May 1997 – 2 October 1999
Preceded byAdm. Mansurul Haq
Succeeded byAdm. Abdul Aziz Mirza
Personal details
Born(1942-03-08)8 March 1942: 265 [1]
British India
Died24 November 2020(2020-11-24) (aged 78)
Islamabad, Pakistan[2]
Nationality
Military service
Allegiance Pakistan
Branch/service Pakistan Navy
Years of service1959–1999
Rank Admiral
(S/No. PN-858): 150 [3]
UnitSubmarine Command
Commands
Battles/wars
Awards
Sitara-e-Basalat
Naval Forces Medal
Order of Military Merit
Order of Military Service

Chief of Naval Staff from 1997 until his voluntary resignation in 1999, which stemmed from his staunch opposition to the then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf's instigation of the Kargil War with India, a conflict that Bokhari reportedly saw as an act of inappropriate and uncoordinated aggression from Pakistan and one that subsequently led him into a bitter dispute with Musharraf.[5] Bokhari also served as the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau
, a Pakistani anti-corruption agency.

In 1999, Bokhari

Chief of Army Staff.[6] He is notable for his war opposition stance, having called for public introspections about Musharraf's decisions related to the 1999 Kargil War in 2000.[7]

In 2011, Bokhari was appointed as the chairman of the National Accountability Bureau by President Asif Ali Zardari. However, his appointment was mired in public controversies, leading to his eventual removal by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2013.[8]

Biography

Naval career and between wars (1965–71)

Fasih Bokhari was born in 1942 in

commissioned in the Pakistan Navy as a Midshipman and was sent to the Britannia Royal Naval College in United Kingdom to complete his training.[9][10][11] His S/No. was PN No. 858 when he joined the Navy in 1959.: 150 [3]

Upon returning to Pakistan in 1962, he was promoted to

Naval Academy in Turkey.: 259 [12]

Commander Tasnim.[14]

During the war, Lt. Bokhari was pulled off the Submarine Command after

surrender and the secession of east-Pakistan as Bangladesh, Lt. Bokhari became disillusioned with his war career and immediately submitted his resignation in the face of what he considered bleak prospects in the Navy for his future.[10] However, his resignation was not accepted by his superior commanding officers who successfully persuaded him to continue serving in the Navy.[10]

In 1973, Lt. Bokhari was sent to

Commander and briefly completed a war assignment at the Ministry of Defence (MoD).: 150 [3] In 1983–84, Commander Bokhari attended the National Defence University and briefly studied at the Armed Forces War College.: 190 [15] He studied under then-Colonel Jehangir Karamat who had profound influence on his critical thinking and authored his thesis on the war studies, required for his master's degree which he attained in 1984.[16]

Command and staff appointments

From 1985 to 1991,

Navy NHQ and served as the Director of Naval Operations (DNO) and director of the naval warfare operation plans.[10] In addition, Captain Bokhari also commanded a Daphné submarine and two destroyers as part of his command experience in the Navy.[9][16]

In 1991, he was promoted to one-star rank,

Rear-Admiral.[10]

At the NHQ, Rear-Admiral Bokhari was appointed as DCNS (Supply) until 1995 when he was promoted to the three-star assignment.[10] From 1995 to 1997, Vice-Admiral Bokhari commanded the Pakistan Fleet as its commander when he took over the command from out-going Vice Admiral Shamoon Alam Khan.: 182 [15]

In 1995,

Vice-Admiral Bokhari was elevated as the Vice Chief of the Naval Staff (VCNS) under Admiral Mansurul Haq.: 819 [15]: 501 [17]: 182 [18][19][20]

Vice-Admiral Bokhari became involved in the acquisitions and indigenous production of

Agosta 90B submarines, with the French assistance.[21]
He died on 24 November 2020.

Chief of Naval Staff

On 1 January 1997, Vice-Admiral Bokhari was promoted to

Gen. Feroze Khan.[9]

As a

naval chief, Admiral Bokhari made numerous attempts to reconstruct the Navy and encouraged his subordinates to be more analytical in their thinking.: 66 [23] Admiral Bokhari also provided his crucial support for naval base to be established in Balochistan, Pakistan, which was made operationalized on 26 April 1997.[24]
In 1999, Admiral Bokhari oversaw the Hammerhead– 99 as part of a series of conceptual exercises conducted annually by the Navy as a prelude to the Sea Spark.[25]

1998 Nuclear tests and General Karamat's relief

Main articles:
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's relief of General Jehangir Karamat

Admiral Bokhari was the

moral grounds, stressing his arguments on the fact that "Pakistan would be able to claim moral high ground.": 190 [26]

Admiral Bokhari made a case for the support of

Finance Minister Sartaj Aziz who argued against the tests in a fear of economic sanctions.: 270 [27] At the meeting, Admiral Bokhari again exhorted for practicing the nuclear ambiguity and strongly urging restraint.: 271 [27] Nonetheless, the nuclear tests were carried out on 28 May and 30 May in 1998, authorized by the Prime Minister Sharif himself.: 271 [27]

On 6 October 1998, Admiral Bokhari invited

Naval War College where the General Karamat pressed for the idea of reestablishing the official National Security Council that would take on the perennial problem posed to the country, with military having the representation.: 150 [28] Prime Minister Sharif viewed this lecture as military's interference on national politics and eventually relieved from the command of the military as the Chairman joint chiefs tendered the signed resignation.: 150 [28]

At the public circle, Admiral Fasih Bokhari criticized General Karamat for resigning but Karamat defended his actions as "right thing" to do as he lost the confidence of a constitutionally and popularly elected Prime Minister.: 151–152 [28]

Kargil War and Atlantique incident

Main articles:
Atlantique incident

In 1999, General

Kashmir– an event known as Kargil War.: 37 [26][29] Over the issue of Kargil debacle, Admiral Bokhari attended multiple meetings with the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and General Musharraf to be briefed on the Kargil events, and the Indian Army's counterattacks on the Pakistan Army soldiers.: 246 [15] After attending the last session on Kargil with the Prime Minister Sharif, Admiral Bokhari did not view the Pakistan Army's engagement with Indian Army as appropriate and lodged a powerful protest against General Musharraf's grand strategy while recommending the constitution of a Commission to completely probe the Kargil issue.[30]

About the

Karachi coast.[32]: 63 [33]

At the country's

news media, Admiral Bokhari became well known for his publicly questioning the military strategy behind the Kargil infiltration and gave criticism on General Musharraf's inability for not taking the Navy into the planning stage, while the latter hoped for Navy's intervention to support the nation's defence after the conflict had reached an impasse.[34]

After the Kargil debacle and the martial law in 1999, Admiral Bokhari advised Musharraf to

army chief General A.W. Kakar did.[35]

About the

External Affairs ministry and reportedly quoted: "They [Indian] have been trying take the conflict to maritime scale, after the Kargil incident."[36]

Revolt and the resignation

Main article:
Revolt of the Admiral

On 7 October 1998,

Chief of Army Staff; in addition, General Musharraf was also made acting Chairman Joint Chiefs on 7 October 1998.[37]

The appointment to the Chairman Joint Chiefs was only meant to be temporary and it was hoped that Admiral Bokhari would be appointed to the post.: contents [38] In September 1999, General Musharraf had sent a message to Prime Minister Sharif that "anyone in the Navy and Air Force can become the Chairman Joint Chiefs as I did not care.": 111 [39] General Musharraf reportedly backed Admiral Bokhari's bid for the Chairman Joint Chiefs but he was overseen by the Prime Minister who confirmed and extended General Musharraf's term until 2001.[40]

Upon hearing the news, Admiral Bokhari lodged a strong protest against this decision in the news media and reportedly revolted against

Prime Minister Sharif's appointment for the Chairman joint chiefs in 1999.[35] Admiral Bokhari telephoned the Prime Minister Sharif and announced his intention to resign from the command of the Navy despite the Prime Minister urging to complete his tenure. Admiral Bokhari strongly urged his resignation since General Musharraf was his junior and often referred to him as "Sir."[35]: 1265 [41]

On October 5, 1999, Admiral Bokhari resigned from the command of the

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.[35]

Admiral Bokhari, however, maintained in 2002 that his resignation came only after realizing that General Musharraf and Prime Minister Sharif had decided to topple each other and he did not want to be part of these "dirty games".

civil-military relations between the elected civilian government and the military leaders that eventually led to the military taking over the civilian government by dismissing Prime Minister Sharif on 12 October 1999.: 63 [42]

Public service

Chairman National Accountability Bureau

In 2007, Bokhari became the President of the Pakistan Ex Servicemen Association which he remained until 2010 before becoming the Convenor of The Save Pakistan Coalition in 2010.[43]

On 17 October 2011, Bokhari was appointed Chairman of the

Nisar Ali Khan raised objection to the nomination on technical grounds but was rejected by the President Zardari.[45] In 2012, he vowed to eliminate the corruption and maintained that the NAB should adapt to eliminate corruption from the country.[46]

Following his appointment, Admiral Bokhari's appointment was challenged by then-

Senior Justice T.H. Jillani declared the Bokhari's appointment as "null and void."[48][49] On 28 May 2013, President Zardari approved the summary that officially terminated Fasih Bokhari's appointment as chairman of NAB.[50]

Peace activism

Kargil War Introspection and pacifism

After his famous revolt and resignation, Admiral Bokhari began his political activism aimed towards

MO), Lieutenant-General Shahid Aziz (DG ISI Analysis Wing), and Lieutenant-General Abdul Majeed Malik.[52][53]

After the Kargil War and

opposition to war by pressing towards the idea of resolving any possible sources of future conflict at sea.[54]

The Indian Navy's former Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral J.G. Nadkarni recently opined that Pakistan had sensible mariners in decision-making positions who were keen to have agreements with the Indian Navy. Admiral Fasih Bokhari, Pakistan's naval chief from 1997 to 1999, was a great proponent of maritime co-operation with India and believed that it would benefit both countries."[7]

From 2010–2011, Admiral Bokhari wrote

Express Tribune, where he focused on peaceful coexistence with India and balanced relations with the United States and Afghanistan.[55]

Views on 1999 Coup d'état

Main article:
Musharaf Coup

In 2002, Admiral Bokhari quoted that: he knew about General Musharraf’s plans to topple [Prime Minister] Nawaz Sharif and did not want to be part of these "Dirty Games".[35] Admiral Bokhari also noted that a power struggle between an elected Prime Minister and appointed-Chairman joint chiefs ensued and relations were severely damaged after the Kargil war.: 37–38 [56]

Before enforcing the

General Musharraf indicated his displeasure with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's handling of the country describing Prime Minister Sharif as "incompetent and incapable of running the country.": 38 [56] Admiral Bokhari firmly got the impression whether General Musharraf was sounding out to rely on the support from the Navy in the event of the coup and Admiral Bokhari discouraged the Chairman joint chiefs from doing so.: 38 [56]

He contended that the Lahore Declaration process was the best trajectory for Pakistan and should be continued through a political dialogue. He further added that any rupture in the dialogue process would set the country back.[56] Bokhari realised that this meeting was held to secure his support against the elected government.[56]

Contribution to "Military Inc." by Ayesha Siddiqa

Admiral Bokhari is mentioned multiple times by Ayesha Siddiqa in her book Military Inc., which describes the ideology and actions of the Pakistani military in running their commercial enterprises and business interests. He is quoted directly, as well as cited in multiple other places as an observer of the events and ideology that are described within the military. His significant contribution is acknowledged at the start of the book.

Criticism

In 2012, Brian Coughley, the historian of Pakistan, found it strange that Admiral Bokhari did not inform the government or

President Tarar if he had the prior knowledge of intended martial law against the elected government.[38]

In 2011, the

Defence Minister involved in the affairs."[30]

Awards and decorations

Command at Sea insignia
Nishan-e-Imtiaz

(Military)

(Order of Excellence)

Hilal-e-Imtiaz

(Military)

(Crescent of Excellence)

Sitara-e-Imtiaz

(Military)

(Star of Excellence)

Sitara-e-Basalat

(Star of Good Conduct)

Tamgha-e-Diffa

(General Service Medal)

1.

1965 War
Clasp

2.

1971 War
Clasp

Sitara-e-Harb 1965 War

(War Star 1965)

Sitara-e-Harb 1971 War

(War Star 1971)

Tamgha-e-Jang 1965 War

(War Medal 1965)

Tamgha-e-Jang 1971 War

(War Medal 1971)

Tamgha-e-Baqa

(Nuclear Test Medal)

1998

10 Years Service Medal 20 Years Service Medal 30 Years Service Medal 40 Years Service Medal
Tamgha-e-Sad Saala Jashan-e-

Wiladat-e-Quaid-e-Azam

(100th Birth Anniversary of

Muhammad Ali Jinnah)

1976

Hijri Tamgha

(Hijri Medal)

1979

Jamhuriat Tamgha

(Democracy Medal)

1988

Qarardad-e-Pakistan Tamgha

(Resolution Day

Golden Jubilee Medal)

1990

Tamgha-e-Salgirah Pakistan

(Independence Day

Golden Jubilee Medal)

1997

Naval Forces Medal

(1st Class)

(Saudi Arabia)

Order of Military Merit

Grand Cordon

(Jordan)

The Order of Military Service

(Malaysia)

Foreign Decorations

Foreign Awards
 Saudi Arabia Naval Forces Medal - (1st Class)
 Jordan The Order of Military Merit - Grand Cordon
 Malaysia The Order of Military Service - Courageous Commander

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Asian Recorder. K. K. Thomas at Recorder Press. 1997. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  2. ^ “Former CNS Admiral Fasih Bokhari Passes Away” Bol News [24-11-2020]
  3. ^ a b c The Gazette of Pakistan. The Gazette of Pakistan. 1979. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  4. ^ "Former naval, NAB chief Fasih Bokhari passes away at Chak Shehzad". 24 November 2020.
  5. ^ a b "پاک بحریہ کے سربراہ۔ ایڈمرل فصیح بخاری". www.pakistanconnections.com. Pakistani connections. Retrieved 16 January 2017.[dead link]
  6. ^ "Admiral Fasih Bokhari". Pakistan Herald. Herald Magazine. Archived from the original on 28 March 2013. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d Staff writer, War correspondents (2 October 2002). "Musharraf planned coup much before Oct 12: Fasih Bokhari". Daily Times. No. 4. Daily Times, 2002. Daily Times. Archived from the original on 15 March 2012. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  8. ^ Iqbal, Nasir (29 May 2013). "SC removes NAB chief Fasih Bokhari". DAWN.COM. No. 2. Dawn newspaper, Nasir Iqbal. Dawn newspaper. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  9. ^ a b c d "Fasih Bokhari appointed naval chief". Karachi Times. Karachi Times. Associate Press. 2 May 1997. Archived from the original (txt) on 27 July 2001. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Awaz Today; et al. "Awaz Today Profile: Fasih Bokhari". www.awaztoday.pk. Awaz Today Biography. Awaz Today. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
  11. ^ "Fasih Bokhari". www.pakistannewshd. Pakistan News HD Biography. Pakistan News HD. Retrieved 25 April 2018.
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  13. ^ Sehgal, Ikram ul-Majeed (1 January 2001). "Defence Journal". Defence Journal. 4–5 (3). Ikram ul-Majeed Sehgal: 457. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
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  21. ^ "Admiral Fasih Bokhari". Paktribune. Retrieved 17 January 2017.
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  30. ^ a b "Why Admiral Bokhari is a favourite of Zardari, rejected by Nawaz". www.thenews.com.pk. No. 1/2. The News International, 2011. The News International. 11 October 2011. Archived from the original on 31 January 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2017.
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  33. ISBN 9788170622994
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  34. ISBN 81-7648-151-3
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  36. ^ Associated Press, AP (21 July 2015). "PAKISTAN: PAKISTAN/INDIA CONFLICT: SITUATION UPDATE". Associated Press. Archived from the original on 19 December 2021. Retrieved 5 February 2017.
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  43. ^ Spokesman, The. "Bokhari's letter to president 'NAB chief defamed SC'". Retrieved 23 January 2017.[permanent dead link]
  44. ^ News Desk, ND (17 October 2011). "Admiral (r) Fasih Bokhari appointed as chairman NAB - Pakistan | Dunya News". dunyanews.tv. No. 1. Dunya News TV, 2011. Dunya News TV. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  45. ^ Samaa Web desk, SWD (17 October 2011). "Fasih Bukhari appointed chairman NAB – SAMAA TV". www.samaa.tv. No. 1. samaa.tv 2011. samaa.tv. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  46. ^ "I will eliminate corruption, says NAB Chief Fasih Bokhari | SAMAA TV". Samaa TV. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  47. ^ South Asian News Agency, SANA (17 May 2013). "SC declares NAB Chairman's appointment null and void; orders federal govt to appoint new chairman follow the legal procedure". South Asian News Agency. South Asian News Agency, 2013. South Asian News Agency. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
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  53. ^ Rana, Amir (4 March 2015). "Kargil Operation: Musharraf kept Kayani in the dark, book reveals - The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. No. 6. Express Tribune, 2017. Express Tribune. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  54. ^ Staff reporters, War correspondents (8 October 2002). "Musharraf planned coup in advance: Ex-Admiral". Zee News. Zee News, 2002. Zee News. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  55. ^ "fasih.bokhari, Author at The Express Tribune". The Express Tribune. The Express Tribune, Bokhari. The Express Tribune, Bokhari. Retrieved 23 January 2017.
  56. ^
    ISBN 0-300-10147-3
    .

External links
Military offices
Preceded by
Chief of Naval Staff

1997–1999 		Succeeded by
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