ADDRESSING a reception at Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured the nation that the defence forces have distanced themselves from politics and reiterated the pledge to leave after completion of his second three-year term in two months.
With these remarks, all speculations and rumours that were circulating regarding the extension must come to an end now.
It is really unfortunate that fanning rumours and speculations have become a norm in our society.
Then on those speculations, the whole discussion programs are also held on the electronic media.
The DG ISPR, at a press briefing, had already stated that General Qamar Javed Bajwa will retire after completion of his second tenure but still rumour mills kept working on this matter, for the purpose well known to them.
But as the Army Chief has made his intentions clear now, we believe this leaves no room for anybody to again resort to any speculation.
As regards the role of defence forces, there have been interventions on their part in the past but now we are repeatedly hearing from them that they should not be dragged into politics.
There are certain political elements which on a daily basis try and seek their intervention in political matters for their petty political interests.
It is apparent that our political leadership has not learnt any lesson from their past follies. Instead of looking towards the defence forces which are already faced with many challenges and are currently also engaged in the flood relief efforts, our political leaders should stop looking towards them rather they should address their matters whilst sitting on the table of negotiations.
At the embassy reception, the Army Chief very rightly pointed out that reviving the economy should be the number one priority of every segment of the society, adding without a strong economy, the nation would not be able to achieve its targets including on the diplomatic front.
Whilst setting aside their differences, all political forces must also make a pledge of collectively taking the country in the right direction.
