RAWALPINDI: The top leadership of Pakistan Army Tuesday deplored allegations that the armed forces interfered with the electoral process after political parties raised severe concerns over the February 8 poll results.
The military’s mouthpeice Inter-Servies Public Relations (ISPR) , in a statement, mentioned that the army’s reservations came during the 263rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in the chair.
ISPR, quoting the army’s top brass as saying the CCC noted that the forces “at a great peril to their primary responsibility, provided security environment for the conduct of GE-24 as per the given mandate, and had nothing to do with the electoral process”.
“However, the forum expressed dismay that some vested small segments of polity and media especially social media have been maligning Armed Forces of Pakistan with unsubstantiated allegations of interference which is highly deplorable,” the statement added.
The top commanders said rather than focusing on real issues such as good governance, economic recovery, political stability and public well being, entire focus of such vested elements is on creating political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings, the ISPR said.
The military’s top brass also emphasised that that due legal processes be followed with evidence and proof rather than resorting to unconstitutional and uncalled for baseless political rhetoric and emotional outbursts.
The corp commanders noted with satisfaction the smooth democratic transition of power in the centre and provinces. “[The] Forum hoped that the post elections environment brings in desired political and economic stability resulting into peace and prosperity for the people of Pakistan.”
It also expressed that it strongly believed that democratic consolidation is the way forward for the country, as per the military’s media wing.
The top commanders affirmed that military leadership is cognisant of the full spectrum of the challenges and threats and it remains committed to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with support of the resilient people of Pakistan.
The military reiterated to continue providing full support to the government in combating security threats and uplifting the socioeconomic growth in the country including wholehearted assistance in curbing all illegal activities including “smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, implementation of One Document Regime and respectable & safe repatriation of all illegal foreigners”.
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