Army officers to relinquish civilian posts
By Our Defence Correspondent

RAWALPINDI—Chief of Army Staff General Ishfaq Pervez Kiani has approved the policy with regard to de-induction of serving officers seconded to civil departments and package of Rupees 10 billion for improving the quality of life of soldiers and young officers.
While addressing the 106th Corps Commanders Conference held in Rawalpindi on Thursday under his chair, he said that Army will have no role in forthcoming general elections of Feb 18 and it will meet its constitutional obligations in helping the civil administration for maintaining law and order as and when required.
The COAS reviewed the regional situation especially on going operation in Swat, Waziristan and tribal areas and also took review the activities of militants against terrorism and urged the all segments and political and administrative elements including tribal people to formulate the strategy to eliminate extremism.
General Kiani said that primary obligation of army is to guard the boarders of the country and pay attention to its professional affairs and it will always live upto the expectations of the nation.
Having declared year 2008 as “Year of the Soldier” the COAS approved a package of rupees 10 billion for improving the quality of soldiers and young officers, which includes provision of better accommodation and education facilities for children of junior commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and jawans. Fateha prayer was also offered for martyred and tributes were paid to them.
The Corps CommandersConference on Thursday declared 2008 as “Year of the Soldier” besides approving a welfare package of Rs 10 billion for soldier and young officers. It was 106th conference and was chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in Rawalpindi. The conference commenced with a Fateha prayer offered for the Shuhada, said an ISPR news release.
The package announced for the solidiers and young officers also includes provision of better accommodation and education facilities for children of Junior Commissioned Officers, Non Commissioned Officers and Jawans. In his opening remarks, Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani praised the sacrifices and spirit of all officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and Jawans in the ongoing operations. He appreciated the leadership of officers in particular, who are leading from the front as per the true tradition of Pakistan Army.
The participants were given a comprehensive briefing on security environment. The Chief of Army Staff dilated on the evolving geo-political dynamics and emphasized on the need to synergize the effort of the nation and the Army to ensure peace and stability.