COAS rules out takeover

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0500

ISLAMABAD � Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Friday pledged to continue supporting democracy, reiterating the military was not planning a takeover.
The Army Chief was speaking in Mohmand Agency where two dozen Pakistani soldiers were killed in November 26 NATO airstrikes. An ISPR statement quoted General Kayani as telling the troops that the military will continue to support democracy in the country and the talk about army planning a takeover was a mere �speculation�.
His comments came a day after Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani spoke of a conspiracy, in a clear reference to the Army.
The COAS �strongly dispelled the speculation of any military takeover�, the statement said and added the rumours were �misleading and being used as a bogey to divert the focus from the real issues�.
The statement did not elaborate what the real issues were. Kayani emphasised that the issues of national security need to be considered on merit alone. �He concluded by saying that irrespective of all other considerations, there can be no compromise on national security.
He appreciated the successes achieved under trying environment and the sacrifices made in the process. �No one can put a price tag on the sacred blood of those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation,� Kayani said in a firm tone. He added: �The men and women of Pakistan Army are performing their duty of defending Pakistan in accordance with the oath they took. They will continue to do so with the support and prayers of their countrymen, regardless of the cost.�
Reiterating that (the) Pakistan Army has and will continue to support the democratic process in the country, Kayani said the Army is fully cognizant of its constitutional obligations and responsibilities.�
Observers believe the political crisis could distract the Army from its fight against the Taliban, who aim at toppling the government, partly because of the country�s alliance with the US.
Gen Kayani became Army Chief in 2007 and the military has taken on direct management of a wide range of issues, from defence to foreign affairs. Some analysts believe the PPP-led government reached an agreement with the army after coming to power to cede control over these areas in return for Gen. Kayani�s promise not to meddle with the daily administration of the country.

The Nation : Headline News

COAS rules out takeover