News
Friday, March 07, 2008
Army supports democratic process: Schisms not in national interest, says Kayani
* COAS hopes army will not be dragged into any controversy
* Emphasises importance of army-NCS relationshipStaff Report
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani said on Thursday that “any kind of schism, at any level, under the circumstances would not be in the larger interest of the nation” and expressed hope that a harmonious relationship would be established between the pillars of state, as enshrined in the Constitution. Addressing a meeting of corps commanders, he reaffirmed that the army would fully support the democratic process in the country by playing its constitutional role, and expressed hope the army would not be dragged into controversies. “[The] army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government,” the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted Kayani as saying. The COAS observed that an impression was being created about the “distancing of the army from the president,” but emphasised the importance of the constitutional relationship between the army and the National Command Structure (NCS). Kayani said the army would stay out of the political process and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan. This could only be achieved with the full support of the people of Pakistan, he added. Kayani expressed satisfaction over the elections being conducted peacefully and thanked all segments of society for extending their full support to the army. He also appreciated the whole-hearted effort of officers and civilians alike towards defeating the threat posed to Pakistan’s security. The meeting participants offered fateha for the late Lt Gen Mushtaq Baig, other officers and civilians who had fallen victim to the recent spate of terrorist activities. Kayani apprised the corps commanders on tangible progress made on various issues related to the “Year of the Soldier,” particularly on accommodation, education, rations and uniform. The meeting participants also deliberated at length on various issues relating to operational preparedness, training and administration matters related to the army.
Courtesy Daily Times