The Pakistan Ex-servicemen Association (PESA) on Sunday said latest crisis triggered by a real estate tycoon has failed to dent the reputation of judiciary and the Supreme Court has emerged from this crisis with greater respect for its integrity and faith in its justice.
This was observed by the Executive Council of PESA in its meeting in Rawalpindi that was attended by its President Lieutenant General Ali Kuli Khan (Retd), Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim (Retd), Air Marshal Masood Akhtar(Retd), Lieutenant General Naeem Akbar (Retd), former ambassador Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Brigadier Mian Mahmud (Retd), Brigadier Riaz Ahmed (Retd), Brigadier Masud ul Hassan (Retd), Major Farouk Hamid Khan (Retd), Naik Raja Fazil (Retd)and others.
PESA Secretary General Brigadier Masud (Retd) told Business Recorder that the council reiterated its total support for the SC and vehemently condemned all efforts to malign the reputation and character of this august institution.
"Riaz Malik must come out on oath and give a detailed list of all the persons who have unlawfully received cash or other benefits from him," they demanded. This should help in checking the evil of corruption which has overpowered honesty and truth which are important pillars of our faith.
PESA members appreciated the reported statement of US Senator John McCain that the US policies in region could be a recipe for disaster which is needlessly damaging America's relationship with Pakistan.
McCain's statement was more rational, pragmatic and conducive to peace than the belligerent outbursts emanating from Pentagon high officials, it was observed.
As US has started working on its plans to draw down military presence in Afghanistan by 2014, PESA asked the government to let the people know about its own plans to disengage from the US-led war and bring peace in FATA. America has shifted its emphasis on India while Pakistan has been relegated to a status of non-entity; Islamabad also needs a reappraisal of its foreign policy, PESA added.
Award of key role in Afghanistan to India must be opposed through concerted diplomatic efforts, they demanded and added "We need to develop trade and economic links with China, Russia and with Central Asian countries including Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan through Gwadar port"