PM Imran Khan says Anger in army over Opposition’s criticism of Gen Bajwa
In an interview, PM Imran said that "anger" and "disappointment" prevailed among the ranks after the army chief was targeted by the leaders of Opposition parties during public gatherings.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said that there’s anger in the Pakistan Army over the Opposition’s critiscm of General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
“Gen Bajwa believes in democracy. Had it been another general, he would have given a quick rebuttal,” the PM Imran khan said that the army chief was “angry”, but he was “controlling it”.
In an interview, PM Imran said that “anger” and “disappointment” prevailed among the ranks after the army chief was targeted by the leaders of Opposition parties during public gatherings.
The premier also dismissed reports of any Pakistani representative visiting Israel, saying that why would any of the ministers visit Tel Aviv when Islamabad does not recognise it.
He stressed that the news was “baseless” and that “an entire campaign” was running in this regard.
Referring to the EU DisinfoLab’s report, the prime minister said that the NGO’s research had exposed India’s network that was spreading misinformation about Pakistan.
The prime minister said that all institutions — including the army — stood beside him. “There are excellent civil-military ties in the country.”
Speaking further about the civil-military dynamic, he said that the army serves under him as he is the prime minister, and as the army is a government institution.
Speaking about the Pakistan Democratic Movement, the premier said that he was ready to face everything the 11-party alliance aims at throwing at him.
“The PDM can do anything that it wants. I am ready,” he said.
The premier said that the PDM’s Lahore rally had damaged the Opposition’s alliance. “I am a jalsa specialist and I am telling you that this was a flop show.”
“If they resign, it would be better for Pakistan,” the prime minister said, referring to the Opposition’s threat of resigning from the assemblies soon.
The prime minister said that he would assist the Opposition if they came to Islamabad. “They cannot even last a week in Islamabad even if I support them.”
Shedding light on early elections, he said that there was space for the government to hold Senate elections a month earlier.
“Show of hands means open ballot,” he said, as he explained the method that the government aims to introduce in the upcoming Senate elections.
The prime minister reminded the interviewer that his party had dismissed several members as they were involved in horse-trading during the Senate elections.
“It would be better [for the election to be held] through open ballot as it would end corruption,” he said.
The premier said that if the senators were elected on merit, they would play a productive role in the upper house.
He added that the attorney general is of the opinion that voting can be held via open ballot; however, the government will seek Supreme Court’s guidance on it.
