*DG ISPR* Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar has termed it imperative tohold transparent and impartial investigation into the killing of seniorJournalist Arshad Sharif.
Addressing a news conference along with *DG ISI* Lieutenant General NadeemAnjum in Rawalpindi on Thursday, he said we have requested the governmentto form a high level inquiry commission to investigate into the despicableincident.
The DG ISPR said *international and forensic experts including the UNrepresentatives* should be included in the inquiry commission. He saidChief Executive Officer of ARY Salman Iqbal should be brought back toPakistan and also be investigated.
The DG ISPR said the killing of Arshad Sharif has *aggrieved the wholenation*. He said we should wait for the report of the inquiry commission.It will not be appropriate to level any allegations without final report ofthe inquiry commission.
He said we had no information about the *life threat to Arshad Sharif* inPakistan.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had issued a threat letter whichstated that a terrorist group is looking to target Sharif. In this regard,no information was shared with the institutions as to who provided themthis information. He said there were reports that Arshad Sharif did notwant to leave the country but he kept being reminded that he was facing athreat to his life. He said nobody forced the senior journalist to leaveDubai at a government level, questioning as to who exactly forced him toleave Dubai.
The Lieutenant General regretted the *smear campaign*unleashed againstPakistan Army by certain elements on the social media following the murderof Arshad Sharif. He said it should be seen as to who is trying to takebenefit from the death of the journalist.
The DG ISPR said the Kenyan government has admitted its mistake but itshould be seen whether it was the incident of mistaken identity or targetedkilling. He said there are several questions which need to be answered inthis case.
Babar Iftikhar said we are a* dignified and sovereign nation*. He said thearmed forces have rendered sacrifices in the war on terrorism and thenation should have full confidence and trust on this institution. He saidwe are the force of this nation and we cannot be traitors and conspirators.
The DG ISPR said we can collectively face with the challenges includingthat of *hybrid warfare*. He said it is our promise to the nation that thearmed forces will never disappoint them.
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Referring to the *Cipher*, the DG ISPR said a political interference wasexpected from Pakistan Army contrary to the constitution of the country.Regardless of the fake and misleading narrative over Cipher, he said theinstitution and the Chief of Army Staff demonstrated restraint.
Babar Iftikhar said the *ISI findings* did not find any evidence ofconspiracy behind the no confidence motion against the previous government.He said these findings are part of record. He regretted that a specificnarrative was built around the cipher to achieve political interests.
*DG ISI Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum* lamented the language used bycertain political elements against Pakistan Army and its top leadership. Hesaid they are doing so because the institution had declined to play theunconstitutional role. He said the institution has decided to confineitself to constitutional role and stay away from politics. He said it wasin March that the Army Chief was offered extension for an indefinite periodbut he rejected the offer.
Responding to a question, the DG ISPR said the *appointment of the new ArmyChief* will take place on time in accordance with the constitutionalrequirements.
To a question about *long march*, the DG ISPR said that protesting is ademocratic right. He said this should not worry anybody as Pakistan facesno threat from it. He categorically stated that nobody will be allowed todestabilize Pakistan.
The DG ISI said *Pakistan Army* will extend help to the government tocontrol the situation if it was called under article 245.
Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar said all *international borders and everyinch of Pakistan are secured*. He said we are fully cognizant of thethreats and have the answer to them.
