ISLAMABAD – Outgoing Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said the armedforces’ political quarantine aimed at fostering political stability inPakistan.
In an interview with *Gulf Newslink*,the top general admitted that the armed forces always remained a dominantplayer in national decision-making but reiterated that the army has nowdistanced itself from politics and its role has been restricted to theconstitutional mandate.
He mentioned that the decision is being viewed negatively by a segment andled to personal criticism, but assured that the move will help enhance thearmy’s prestige in coming years.
Pakistan Army has enjoyed the unmatched respect and trust of nationthroughout our history, he said, adding that the army’s constructive rolein national security and development received unwavering public support.
COAS said Pakistan Army has always played its role in overcoming internalconflicts and that the forces also maintained balance in internationalpolitics through military diplomacy.
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When asked about relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council, COAS saidmilitary diplomacy is complementary to Pakistan’s foreign policy and playsits due role in fostering bilateral relations with other countries,including in the Middle Eastern region.
He continued saying that forces’ intimate engagements with Gulf countriesat the leadership level have continuously helped nurture the long-standingties and translate them into practical cooperation in areas of commoninterests.
He also predicted a robust and broad-based relationship with Arab nationsin the future, which remained exclusive and independent of their bilateralrelations with other countries.
