Rawalpindi: Pakistan Army is 'aghast' at 'defamatory and uncalled for statement' by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan regarding institution's senior leadership, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said. Military's strong exception comes a day after former premier, during a public gathering on Sunday, fired a broadside at his political rivals, alleging that Nawaz and Zardari wanted to appoint an Army Chief of their choice because a "strong and patriotic Army Chief" would question their "loot".

According to military's media wing, a "regrettable" attempt was made to "discredit and undermine senior leadership" of Army at a time when "institution is laying [down] lives for security and safety of people of Pakistan". ISPR statement further said that it was "most unfortunate and disappointing" when senior politicians try to stir up controversies regarding appointment of Chief of Army Staff, "procedure for which is well defined in Constitution".

"Senior leadership of Army has decades-long impeccable meritorious service to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt," it added. statement maintained that politicising of senior leadership of Army and scandalising of process of selection of Army Chief was not in interest of Pakistan nor of institution. "Pakistan Army reiterates its commitment to uphold Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan".

PTI leader Imran Khan, addressing a public rally at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad earlier, asked ruling coalition why they were "afraid of fresh elections"? He added that it was because they knew that they would be eliminated in transparent elections. "Second reason is that new Army Chief is coming in November. Zardari and Nawaz want to bring their favourite as next Army Chief because they have stolen public money," he said. "They are afraid that when a patriotic Army Chief comes, he will ask them about their loot," he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2022

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