Army will have no role in poll process, says General Kiyani

Islamabad: Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kiyani has said the army would have no role in the electoral process and it would only assist the civil administration in maintaining law and order.

Kiyani made the remarks while chairing a corps commander meeting on Thursday in Rawalpindi near Islamabad.

According to a military statement, General Kiyani said that the conduct of free and fair elections "is the sole responsibility of the Election Commission."

"Army will meet its constitutional obligations in helping the civil administration for maintaining law and order as and when required," the General said.

Pakistan is to hold parliamentary elections on February 18. The government has said it was making foolproof security arrangements and the army would also be deployed in sensitive areas.

General Kiyani said the military approved the policy for "de-induction" of serving military officers seconded to civil departments, who will revert to the army.

The serving officers whose services are essentially required by the government in the civil departments would be at "bare minimum" and others would be reverted soon.

Year of the Soldier

The corps commanders conference declared 2008 as "Year of the Soldier" besides approving a welfare package of Rs10 billion for soldier and young officers.

The package includes provision of better accommodation and education facilities for children of junior commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers.

The army chief praised the sacrifices and spirit of all officers and soldiers in the ongoing operations against militants.

The participants of the conference were given a comprehensive briefing on security environment.