Islamabad, Pakistan: Chief of Pakistan Gen Qamar Bajwa has never asked for an extension and he will be retiring on November 30, and America never ever asked for air bases, said Director General Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan Army Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar while addressing a press conference here on Thursday.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan built up a case that he was removed by the United States when he refused to give air bases to the US and when he said: “Absolutely Not”. United States has been saying that the US has never asked for air bases but Imran Khan kept promoting the point that he was removed through a regime change because he said “No” to the United States. Now Pakistan Army has confirmed that no such bases were asked so the entire case built by Imran Khan is baseless, unfounded, and contrary to facts.
He said that Army must not be under discussion and Army stands with Constitution and the Democracy in Pakistan. The way out from the problem is the supremacy of democracy and the Constitution, he indicated.
He said that there was no reference to any conspiracy against Pakistan in a statement issued after National Security Committee (NSC), indicating that there was no mention of any conspiracy against Pakistan in Demarche.
Commenting upon Demarche, he said that Parliamentary Committee would review the issue because this is serious and this issue is under news.
He said there would be no martial law in the country. He said that our youth is the target of propaganda against the Pakistan Army and such propaganda would never be accepted.
It was a very important presser at a very important time. Addressed all important issues which are under discussion and creating chaos in the society. Very open and candid response. The start was the Formation Commanders conference where participants were given a detailed briefing on security and intelligence brief. The importance of the formation Commanders conference is that it represents the complete army and its voice of the Army as this is attended by all Corps Commanders, Principal Staff officers, and entire formation Commanders of the army. The messages were clear that the army is focused on professional duties.
Important points include:
Mention war on terror as Pakistan’s war and will continue till the elimination of the last terrorist.
Despite the challenging environment army ensured a safe and secure environment for 23 March, the OIC conference and Pak – Australia Cricket series. Mentioned contributions of Pakistan army for international Peace Keeping Operations. Rule of law and upholding constitution and democracy was the main theme that the army stands for and the same was endorsed by formation Commanders. National interest can only be served when all work within the bounds of the constitution and democratic norms.
The support of the people is the bedrock of the military and no effort will be allowed to create wedges in that. Constructive criticism is healthy but rumors and propaganda campaigns won’t be allowed . Social media campaigns to target the military and its leadership to divide won’t be accepted. Use of deep fake technologies for creating fake audio to malign institutions. Let the law take its course as a society only develops while following the rule of law. We as individuals and as a society strengthen the institutions to be able to counter all challenges as a nation. The institutions are very important and strengthen and let these institutions work as per law and constitution.
