Army backs democratic transition, says COAS
Staff Report

RAWALPINDI—The Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has reaffirmed that Army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government. He remarked while chairing the 107 Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters on Thursday.
107th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at General Headquarters on Thursday that was chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani.The conference commenced with Fateha for Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmed Baig Shaheed and other officers and men who have fallen victim to the recent spate of terrorists activities.In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff expressed his satisfaction on the conduct of peaceful elections.
He thanked all the segments of the society in extending their full help to Pakistan Army. He reaffirmed that Army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government. Chief of Army Staff was optimistic that there would be a harmonized relationship between various pillars of the state, as provided in the constitution, in order to maximize national effort. He also observed that an impression is being created about ‘distancing of the Army from the President’. He emphasized on the importance of the constitutional relationship between Army and the National Command Structure.
Highlighting the need for understanding, he pointed out that any kind of schism, at any level, under the circumstances would not be in the larger interest of the nation. He reiterated that Army will stay out of the political process and expressed his hope that Army is not dragged into any unnecessary controversy.
Chief of Army Staff once again reaffirmed Army’s commitment to solidarity and integrity of Pakistan which is possible only with full support of the people of Pakistan. He appreciated the whole-hearted effort of officers and men alike to defeat the threat posed to the security of Pakistan.
He apprised the participants regarding the tangible progress made on various issues relating to ‘Year of the Soldier’ with respect to accommodation, education, rations and uniform. The participants also dwelt at length on various issues relating to operational preparedness, training and administration matters related to the Army.
As many as 80 percent recently elected parliamentarians are ready to work with the constitutionally elected President Pervez Musharraf, President’s Spokesman Major General (r) Rashid Qureshi said Wednesday. Talking to a private TV channel Dawn News he said only former PM Mian Nawaz Sharif who himself is not elected and also his party represents only 20 percent population is clamouring against the President on various TV channels.
President Pervez Musharraf is elected for five years. There is a constitutional procedure by which opinion can be voiced once assemblies are in session.Indeed it is premature to talk about what happen or what may not happen and for response from the president, he told while replaying to a question. Regarding rumours of cancellation of presidents’ participation in OIC meeting due to be held on March 13th and 14th,he said final decision has yet to be taken is this regard.