Pakistan army chief ends speculation about role in regime change

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has made it clear that the Pakistan Army would not be a part of any anti-government movement aimed at destabilising the country’s economy or political system.

While addressing the passing out ceremony of the 146th PMA Long Course at the military academy in Kakul, Abbottabad the army chief said the armed forces would not play any role in any political force’s plan of regime change in the country.

The statement, according to the political analysts, is in fact a message of ‘Absolutely Not’ to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former Prime Minister Imran Khan who is planning a long march on Islamabad to bring an end to Shehbaz Sharif’s government.

Recently, Imran Khan has been vocal against the “Chowkidaar” or “Watchmen’ of the country implying that the armed forces were doing no service to the country by staying neutral in the highly volatile political situation.

However, the Army Chief’s statement has put an end to all such speculation, say analysts, adding Gen Bajwa has made it loud and clear that the security forces would neither indulge in politics nor back any political party.

The armed forces, with the support of the citizens, will never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilise Pakistan, the army chief said.

Don’t pay heed to fake news

The army chief urged the young passing out cadets to focus on their professional competence and prepare themselves for future challenges and never pay attention to rumours, fake news or propaganda.

Pakistan’s security, he said, is in safe hands, said General Bajwa, adding the armed forces were capable of meeting any internal or external threat.

Let’s give peace a chance

Gen. Bajwa said Pakistan was a peace-loving country and in its quest for peace it has extended sincere and all out efforts to evolve good relations with all neighbours and regional countries.

“We are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner,” he said.

He stressed that the people of South Asia also deserved prosperity and better living conditions.

“This can only happen with sustained economic growth, development and above all lasting peace. Therefore we must try hard to keep the flames of war away from the region,” said General Bajwa.