Army fully backs newly elected government: General Kayani

Army fully backs newly elected government: COAS
The News, March 06, 2008

RAWALPINDI: The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has reaffirmed that Army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government.

Chairing the 107 Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters on Thursday, He reiterated that Army would stay out of the political process and expressed his hope that Army is not dragged into any unnecessary controversy.

The Chief of Army Staff was optimistic that there would be a harmonized relationship between various pillars of the state, as provided in the constitution, in order to maximize national effort.

He expressed his satisfaction on the conduct of peaceful elections. He thanked all segments of the society in extending their full help to Pakistan Army. He reaffirmed that Army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government.

He also observed that an impression is being created about ‘distancing of the Army from the President’. He emphasized on the importance of the constitutional relationship between Army and the National Command Structure.

Highlighting the need for understanding, he pointed out that any kind of schism, at any level, under the circumstances would not be in the larger interest of the nation. He reiterated that Army will stay out of the political process and expressed his hope that Army is not dragged into any unnecessary controversy.

Chief of Army Staff once again reaffirmed Army’s commitment to solidarity and integrity of Pakistan that is possible only with full support of the people of Pakistan.

He apprised the participants regarding the tangible progress made on various issues relating to ‘Year of the Soldier’ with respect to accommodation, education, rations and uniform.

The participants also dwelt at length on various issues relating to operational preparedness, training and administration matters related to the Army. The meeting also offered Fatiha for the Martyred Lt. Gen. Mushtaque Ahmed Baig and other officers and Jawans who embraced "shahadat" in recent terrorist acts in country.