NSC statement didn't contain word 'conspiracy': DG ISPR Maj Gen Babar Iftikhar

Rawalpindi: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director-General Major General Babar Iftikhar asked the public and political parties not to drag the Pakistan Army into politics in a press conference Thursday.

The DG ISPR said any effort to create a split between people and the armed forces is against national interest. He said the Pakistan Army welcomed constructive criticism. He highlighted that a malicious campaign is being run against the army and its leadership.

General Iftikhar said that the formation commanders expressed confidence in the steps adopted for Pakistan’s security, specifically on account of international security and the Pakistan Army's role in upholding the rule of law.

He further said that the nation's support is the core of the army's strength and without it, the concept of national security is meaningless.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is neither asking for an extension nor will he accept it, the DG ISPR remarked in response to a question by a journalist. "He [Gen Bajwa] will retire on time on November 29, 2022," Gen Iftikhar said.

The ISPR DG clarified that the word "conspiracy" was not used in the statement issued after a meeting of the National Security Committee last month.

Responding to another question, he reiterated that the army has nothing to do with politics. "There is no such thing as neutral."

He said that the word neutral doesn't appropriately describe the army's stance. Instead, the word apolitical does it better.

"There is no interference by the army in any by-election or local bodies election." He said that claims were made that "calls were received", therefore, evidence should be brought to the fore if there is any.

While responding to the question about former prime minister Khan's statement about providing military bases, Major General said that no such demand had been made on any level.

"However, the army would have the same stance of 'absolutely not' in case the military bases were asked for."

When asked if the army was taken into confidence over the former prime minister's visit to Russia, Gen Iftikhar said that the army was on board.

"However, at that time no one in their wildest dreams had known that Russia would wage a war on Ukraine on the same day, which was very embarrassing."