The spokesman of Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (Pesa) Brigadier Masud-ul-Hassan has said that the statement of Amir of Jamaat-i-Islami Syed Munawar Hassan against army has disheartened many while tarnishing his image. The whole nation had reposed the confidence in the defence forces after the controversial remarks which was encouraging, he added.
Talking to Dr Murtaza Mughal, President of the Pakistan Economy Watch, Brigadier Masud-ul-Hassan said the move seemed part of an international conspiracy aimed at to weaken an organised institution. He said military was not battling Afghan Taliban but the Pakistani Taliban who enjoyed support of countries' enemy.
The former military strategist said ISPR did not interfere in politics rather it discharged its duty to keep morale and dignity of the army. Why were the supporters of terrorists silent when government was announcing head money of those who have employed terror as a political weapon, he questioned? Speaking on the occasion, Dr Murtaza Mughal said that safeguarding country was not a crime. He said that "we are proud of the services and sacrifices of armed forces which have kept the country intact." He lauded the visit of the Prime Minister to GHQ as a timely action to boost the morale of army, and said that supreme sacrifices of the army could not be ignored under any circumstances.