NEW DELHI, Feb. 2 (IslamOnline) - The two-day conference of Pakistan's all-powerful corps commanders ended yesterday with President Pervez Musharraf promoting 27 brigadiers to the rank of major-generals which for the first time included a woman, news agencies reported.
Brig. Shahida Malik of the Army Medical Corps has achieved the distinction of becoming the first lady medical officer to rise to the rank of major-general in the history of Pakistan’s army and may be the first Muslim woman to achieve this distinction anywhere in the world.
An official release in Islamabad said Friday's meeting was largely devoted to routine and administrative issues including selection of brigadiers to the ranks of major-generals.
It said the selection procedures for officer cadre were so stringent that out of the 1100 who were commissioned in the army in 1972 only 132 made it to the rank of brigadier.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Observer newspaper on Friday reported that on the first day of the corps commanders' meeting some of the senior army commanders impressed on Gen. Musharraf to end the policy of maximum restraint towards India.
The commanders, according to Pakistan Observer, urged Musharraf to take a strong stand during his forthcoming visit to the United States to demand of Bush administration to firm up strong military and defense relations with Pakistan as it did with India.
The commanders reportedly told the President that forces were more than ready to teach a lesson to the enemy and the policy of restraint has been misconstrued by the other side as weakness, the newspaper said adding the discussions at the meeting were vibrant, candid and at times emotional.
The report has not been officially corroborated. Some of the media officials here declined to comment on it. The report also said some of the commanders wanted Musharraf to demand a more even relationship with the U.S. in the defense arena.
This included lifting of sanctions to restore a level-playing field with India. The U.S. has already lifted political and military sanctions against Pakistan although it has not yet permitted the sale of any defense equipment. Musharraf is scheduled to visit the U.S. on February 12.
