RAWALPINDI – The Pakistan army spokesperson while speaking in a wideranging press conference addressed criticisms of the military, includingreferences to it as the *khalai makhlooq* (celestial beings) that subvertthe democratic process and accusations that it backs or supports militants.
Seemingly unfazed by the pejorative terms used against the institution, thearmy spokesperson said the army would continue to exercise restraint tillthe criticism was limited to the institution, but would take action ifpeople started targeting the state.
To a question on how the army responded to being referred to as ‘khalaimakhlooq’, the army spokesperson said simply that he would reserve hiscomments on the matter.
“But I will comment on a matter that is linked to this. You know theenvironment prevalent in Pakistan right now: this is an election year. Theyear 2018 is a year of change. Political parties are fighting for power,and this fight has to be at each others’ expense. You should not dragsecurity forces into this.
“However we, as the forces of Pakistan, are also happy with one thing: thatevery allegation levelled against us has been proven wrong with time. Theysaid there would be no election in [NA]-120; that there would be noelections for Senate; the elections won’t be announced on time; thegovernment wouldn’t complete its tenure — nobody is happier [than us] thatthe government completed its tenure.
“Let me congratulate the ex parliament and the people of Pakistan on this:the forces of Pakistan are very happy that the second democraticallyelected parliament has completed its tenure and we hope this will continuein the future as well.”