Imprudent remarks by politicians about Lt Gen Faiz ‘very inappropriate’: ISPR
Such statements undermine the honour and morale of institution and its leadership, says Major General Babar Iftikhar
The military’s top spokesperson on Thursday said that imprudent comments recently made by senior politicians about Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are very inappropriate.
“Such statements undermine the honour and morale of institution and its leadership,” Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar said while talking to a private TV channel.
He said that it is expected that the senior political leadership of the country refrains from passing objectionable remarks against the institution whose brave officers and men are constantly putting their lives on the line to guard the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan.
The DG ISPR said that the Peshawar Corps is an illustrious formation of the Pakistan Army spearheading the national war against terrorism for over two decades.
“One of the most competent and professional officers is entrusted with the responsibility to lead this prestigious formation,” he added.
Even though the military’s spokesperson did not name any particular politician, his remarks came a day after PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz made comments about Lt Gen Faiz Hameed.
At a news conference in Karachi on Wednesday, the former president replied to a question, saying: “The helpless Faiz Hameed has been sidelined.” However, Zardari had later issued a clarification that he had “unintentionally” uttered the sentence.
Earlier today, Maryam told reporters outside the Islamabad High Court that that the army chief should be a person who had a “flawless reputation”, free from any criticism or doubts.
Last week, the PML-N stalwart had also criticised Lt Gen Hameed while referring to Imran Khan’s recent podcast appearance where he had said the intelligence chief was the “eyes and ears” of the government.
Maj Gen Iftikhar once again warned that the army should not be dragged into politics. “We have nothing to do with politics… our leadership is focused on its own responsibilities,” he added.
He also said that the procedure for the appointment of the army chief has been laid down in the Constitution and the procedure will be followed. “Unnecessary debate over this issue is tantamount to making it into a controversy.”
The spokesperson went on to say that inviting the army to conduct elections in the country is not appropriate, adding that the law orders army to stay away from politics.
The people of Pakistan, he said, love their armed forces and there will never be division among them, adding that the role of the armed forces will always be for the betterment of the people.
He further said that the armed forces face huge security challenges therefore it cannot get involved in politics. “If there is any mistake in the security of the country then there is no room for forgiveness.”
Major General Iftikhar said that if anyone thinks that there is division in the army then he doesn’t know anything about the army.
He explained that the army has no issue with constructive criticism but added that most of the time propaganda campaigns are run on social media.
Talking about early elections, he said that the decision will be made by politicians and the army has nothing to do with it. “The politicians are capable to sit together and reach a decision.”
The top military spokesperson went on to say that whenever the army is called for any political matter, the issue becomes controversial.
“If politicians call the army for security purposes then it will render its services,” he added.
The army never calls the politicians but when it is requested then the army chief has to meet. “The entire responsibility lies on politicians in this regard.”
He said that the DG ISI visits are never brought into public, adding that they continue in the background.
Maj Gen Iftikhar further said that when the post of army chief comes under question, the morale of the soldiers is affected as it is the “centre of gravity” of any soldier.
“Unnecessary criticism on the army chief creates a negative impression, therefore, we keep saying that the army should not be dragged into politics.”
