ISLAMABAD: Pakistani military spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar said on Thursday the army should not be dragged into politics, after weeks of political turmoil in Pakistan that saw the ouster of one prime minister and the election of a new one.
Shehbaz Sharif, 70, took the oath of office this Monday following the dismissal of Imran Khan in Pakistan’s first no-confidence vote since gaining independence from Britain in 1947.
In the weeks leading up to his removal, Khan has said the campaign by opposition parties to oust him was orchestrated by the United States. Khan and his supporters have variously expressed disappointment that the military and army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa did not support him against the alleged foreign plot.
In the days since Khan was ousted, anti- army and judiciary hashtags have remained top trends on social media platforms.
Pakistan has been ruled by the military for about half its history and tensions between governments and top generals often dominate politics.
“The army has nothing to do with the political process that took place a few days back in the country,” Iftikhar told reporters, referring to the no-trust vote on Sunday. “Do not drag the army into political matters.”
When questioned about the army’s stance on Khan’s claim of a foreign conspiracy to oust him and whether the military leadership had endorsed that claim at an National Security Committee (NSC) held last month, Iftikhar said:
“As far as military response about the NSC meeting is considered, that stance, in that [NSC] meeting, was fully given, and then a statement was issued, which clearly says what was concluded in that meeting.”
“Is there any word such as conspiracy used in it [statement], I think not.”
Answering questions about whether the army chief would seek a second extension, Iftikhar said: “Let me put this to rest: COAS [Chief of Army Staff] is neither seeking an extension, nor will he accept an extension. He will be retiring on time on November 29 [this year].”
Bajwa was handed a three-year extension In August 2019.
Any effort by a military chief to consolidate power is widely viewed with suspicion by many in Pakistan’s political classes, who are wary of the army extending its influence further into the civilian domain.
Don’t ‘drag’ army into politics, army chief to retire in November — Pakistan military
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Don’t ‘drag’ army into politics, army chief to retire in November — Pakistan military
- Pakistan has been ruled by the military for about half its history
- Tensions between governments and army often dominate politics
Pakistan assembly speaker warns opposition against anti-state remarks in parliament
- Ayaz Sadiq says criticism of judiciary and armed forces will not be allowed on assembly floor
- He calls violence during protests unacceptable, vows neutrality as National Assembly speaker
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday that opposition lawmakers would not be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of parliament, calling such remarks unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to the eastern city of Lahore, Sadiq said parliamentary debate must remain within constitutional and legal limits, while reiterating his commitment to act impartially as speaker.
“No one will be allowed to speak against Pakistan, the judiciary or the armed forces on the floor of the National Assembly,” Sadiq said. “Negative or controversial remarks about judges or the armed forces are unacceptable.”
His comments come amid heightened political tensions after opposition groups held protests in the past, criticizing state institutions and targeting government and military properties.
The speaker said peaceful protest was a democratic right but drew a sharp line at violence and vandalism.
“Protest is the right of every citizen in a democratic society, but it must remain peaceful and within the bounds of the constitution and the law,” he continued, adding that arson, damage to property and the use of sticks or weapons in the name of protest were “unacceptable” and posed a threat to the rule of law.
“No opposition lawmaker will be allowed to speak on the National Assembly floor if they speak against Pakistan,” Sadiq said.
The speaker also noted the country’s economic indicators were gradually improving, citing an increase in foreign exchange reserves, and said Pakistan had further strengthened relations with countries including the United States, China, Russia, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.
