Pakistan Army has clarified that the word ‘conspiracy’ was not used in the communiqué issued following the National Security Committee and the demarche was issued for interference.
The statement comes as a severe blow to former prime minister Imran Khan’s stance who accused Washington of backing the move to oust his government.
In his press briefing, DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar reiterated that the army was not involved in politics.
Stressing that the ‘neutral’ was not appropriate he added that the army was apolitical.
DG ISPR went on to say that General Qamar Javed Bajwa did not go to the opposition rather it was Imran Khan who approached the army chief.
He added that three options were discussed with the former government and the message was later shared with the opposition which they later turned down.
“No option from the army was given,” General Iftikhar said.
He also clarified that the US had never asked for air bases in Pakistan following Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan.
“But had they asked us Pakistan Army’s stance would have been the same,” he added.
DG ISPR further maintained that the army chief was not looking for any extension and was set to retire on November 29.
To a query, the DG ISPR responded that the army was not in the position to give an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance) to any party, whereas the past events occurred as part of the departmental procedure.
He lamented that the army was the major target of disinformation campaign and all stakeholders should sit together to enact laws for curbing disinformation propaganda campaigns.
He mentioned that the youth were not well informed on the operational and strategic measures taken by the quarters concerned. “We need to take proper measures to insulate our society and institutions at the government and individual levels from disinformation campaign and propaganda”, he added.
He underscored that the data pertaining to the propaganda over the social media against the Army and its leadership, was compiled by the government departments and there were foreign linkages to it.
“Unverified information sharing promotes propaganda and fake news, and our religion preaches that it is enough to declare someone a liar when one shares the fake news without confirmation,” he added.
Bilawal Bhutto
Terming the press conference a ‘breath of fresh air for democracy ’ PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that “it is responsibility not only of every institution but every Pakistani to support democracy, constitution and rule of law”.
He further said that the parliament, judiciary and establishment transition from controversial to constitutional roles will not be easy.
“The answer to all of Pakistan’s problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress,” he maintained.
