Pakistan: Corps Commander Conference: Displeasure expressed over Defence Minister's statement

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The participants of corps commander conference presided by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday expressed displeasure over statement made by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Others matters that came under discussion include; review of internal and external security, terrorist attack in Rawalpindi, and determination to strengthen democracy, Dunya News reported.

According to Dunya News sources, Army Chief will meet Prime Minister upon his return from China visit to discuss concerns. Khawaja Asif’s statements were seen with displeasure in the meeting.

The corps commander conference that took place at General Headquarters Rawalpindi reviewed internal and external security situations of the country, Pak Army’s operational preparations and professional skills of the forces. Sources said that the issue of fingers pointed towards army by some elements was also discussed.

The session also reviewed the ongoing Taliban negotiation process and its developments so far. According to sources, the participants also exchanged views over post-elections situation in Afghanistan. Khawaja Asif’s statement:

Earlier, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had said that the Parliament is supreme institution and no institution should violate sanctity of other one.

Addressing during the session of the National Assembly on Tuesday, he said every institution protects its dignity and its personnel, but Parliament is the supreme institution of the country. The minister’s remarks came a day after army chief General Raheel Sharif’s statement in which he had said that army would resolutely preserve its institutional pride and dignity.

“While our country is faced with multiple internal and external challenges, Pakistan Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions and will resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride,” the COAS said while responding to the concerns of soldiers on undue criticism of the institution in recent days, ISPR said on Monday. The army chief expressed these views while speaking to soldiers during his visit to Headquarters of Special Service Group (SSG) at Ghazi Base Tarbela, ISPR said in a statement.

The Army Chief paid glowing tributes to the sacrifices of the SSG soldiers and officers and acknowledged their tremendous success while fighting against terrorists.

He said, Pakistan Army takes pride in our brave and battle hardened Special Services Group who are ranked among the top elite forces of the world.

Given the specialized nature of their employment in the most sensitive, complex and challenging environment, COAS praised them for their outstanding professional skills.

Speaking to SSG officers and soldiers, General Raheel Sharif said that Pakistan Army never has and never will shy away from rendering any sacrifice in ensuring a formidable defense and security of the motherland.

Drawing its strength from national support, with its characteristic coherence and resilience, Pakistan Army has contributed immensely towards national security and nation building and will continue to deliver on its mission, the COAS added.