COAS's comprehensive briefing to Senators termed as historic

PESHAWAR: Parliamentarians have said that the briefing by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa to the Senate Committee of entire House on national security was a historic day for civil-military relations and democracy in the country.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz parliamentary leader in KP Assembly, Sardar Aurangzaib Nalota told APP that attending of the special committee session of the Senate by COAS has passed a strong message that civil-military leadership was on same page on all national issues, including security.

This positive development has passed a strong message of unity and national cohesion besides respect for the Parliament and Parliamentarians to the world community, indicating that democracy was the only panacea to the existing problems facing the country today.

It was for the first time that a detailed briefing was given by the top military leadership to the Senate of Pakistan, which was highly praise worthy and commendable.

The participation of COAS and army top brass in upper house of the parliament reflected that the men in ‘Khaki’ had highest regards and commitment for democracy and constitution.

Nalota said that the senators have expressed complete satisfaction on the briefing of COAS, which was a good thing for civil-military relations and democracy rule in Pakistan.

Veteran politician and former provincial minister, Rahimdad Khan, has also termed the comprehensive briefing by COAS and other military leadership to Senate as positive development. He said Pakistan was a strong country with 20 million people, a powerful army, free media, independent judiciary and democracy and no one can cast an ugly eye on it.

Khan said that the participation of senior army leadership has passed a strong message to the world that we all are united for security and defence of the country.

ANP leader and former Provincial Minister Wajid Ali Khan termed COAS briefing a good and positive development for democracy. He said the COAS accompanied by senior army leadership have given detailed and comprehensive answers of the questions presented by the senators that expressed his strong commitment for democracy and respect for parliament in the country.

The ANP leader said democracy will move on despite challenges, as it was the only system that can deliver for progress, security and economic development of the country besides addressing the existing challenges.

He further said that the briefing has cleared many things to senators, which would help them in legislation on issues related to security and defense matters besides debate in national and international forums and media.