I was concerned for #Pakistan before, but a recent speech by the Army Chief has led me to believe that things are truly dire. His closed-door angry tirade to senior officers in Sialkot has been reliably shared with me. The entire speech was alarming but two points stand out:(1/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023

First, he threatened the wives and children of his critics. The May 9 violence was not a good thing and should be transparently investigated, but that is no excuse for threatening harm to innocent family members of retired officers who may have participated. (2/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023

He also used gutter language in talking about those he regards as his enemies. (3/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023

Second, he announced that if he "goes down" he will take others down with him. (4/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023

His speech demonstrates that he simply does not have the temperament to lead the armed forces of a large and important country, Pakistan. Such a volatile, angry and self-absorbed person must not have his finger on a nuclear button. (5/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023

A country's army is a critical institution that must be led by someone possessed of sobriety, calm responsibility, and political neutrality. (6/6)

— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) May 19, 2023