107th Corps Commanders' Conference was held at General Headquarters on Thursday. Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani chaired the meeting. The conference commenced with Fateha prayers for Lieutenant General Mushtaq Ahmed Baig and other officers and men who were martyred during the recent spate of terrorist activities.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Army Staff expressed his satisfaction over the conduct of peaceful elections. He thanked all segments of the society in extending their full help to Pakistan Army. He reaffirmed that Army fully stands behind the democratic process and is committed to play its constitutional role in support of the elected government.
Chief of Army Staff was optimistic that there would be a harmonised relationship between various pillars of the state, as provided in the constitution, in order to maximise national effort.
He also observed that an impression is being created about 'distancing of the Army from the President'. He emphasised on the importance of the constitutional relationship between Army and the National Command Structure. Highlighting the need for understanding, he pointed out that any kind of schism, at any level, under the circumstances would not be in the larger interest of the nation. He reiterated that Army will stay out of the political process and expressed his hope that Army is not dragged into any unnecessary controversy.
Chief of Army Staff once again reaffirmed Army's commitment to solidarity and integrity of Pakistan, which is possible only with full support of the people of Pakistan. He appreciated the wholehearted effort of officers and men alike to defeat the threat posed to the security of Pakistan.
He apprised the participants regarding the tangible progress made on various issues relating to 'Year of the Soldier' with respect to accommodation, education, rations and uniform. The participants also dwelt at length on various issues relating to operational preparedness, training and administration matters related to the Army.-PR