ISLAMABAD: Declaring that Army has no political agenda nor it supports or opposes any party, chief military spokesperson hinted at possibility of former Prime Minister Imran Khan facing trial under Army Act in case pertaining to former ISI chief Lt General (retd) Faiz Hameed.

During press conference here, when journalist asked about concerns of PTI leadership, DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry replied, "Matter is sub judice, but I will say that according to military law, if any person uses individuals under Army Act for their personal objectives, law will take its own course." Observers believe that DG ISPR's calculated remarks suggested that jailed PTI founder could be implicated in ongoing court martial proceedings against former ISI chief General Faiz.

Former spymaster has been facing allegations ranging from misuse of authority to corruption and from violating military discipline to colluding with political party to undermine institution of Army after retirement. Thursday's press conference of DG ISPR dropped many hints that one of main charges against Gen Faiz was that he used his position for personal and political gains.

General Sharif made it clear that Pakistan Army is national institution with no political agenda. He said there had been complete consensus within institution that Army would stay away from political matters.

He insisted that Army as an institution plays its role with elected government as per Constitution and law.

"Army neither opposes nor favours any political party," he insisted. He said court martial proceedings were initiated against Faiz Hameed after multiple violations of Pakistan Army Act were proven. He clarified that in this case, anyone involved, regardless of their rank or status, will face action.

He said that when laws and regulations in Army are violated, automatic system of accountability is triggered and concerned officers are given all legal rights, including choosing their own lawyer. "We hope that such self-accountability will also encourage other institutions," DG ISPR said.

He highlighted that Pakistan's war against terrorism is being fought under an approved and integrated strategy, with input from various political parties, stakeholders and governments. "We are aware of feelings of deprivation and perception of state oppression in Balochistan, which certain external forces manipulate for negative purposes," he said. "These forces aim to disrupt ongoing development and welfare projects in Balochistan through fear and intimidation."

He emphasised that Balochistan is heart and soul of Pakistan. "There is hardly any officer in Army who has not served there. Region's large area and sparse population create challenges, affecting not just Baloch, but also Pashtuns and others." "Despite all these issues, we have very good relations with Afghanistan and those who think they can create rift between two brotherly neighbouring countries are mistaken," he stressed in an apparent change of strategy by Pakistan to woo Afghan Taliban on issue of banned TTP. DG ISPR added that Pakistan Army has fulfilled its responsibility in clearing areas and ensuring security and is now conducting more than 100 intelligence-based operations on daily basis.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2024

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