PESA Concerns over anti-Army campaign through some selected media

Rawalpindi: The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) on Friday expressed deep anguish and sorrow at the inhuman destruction of Joseph Colony at Lahore terming it lowest form of governance.

This was observed in a special meeting of the Executive Council of PESA held to discuss some of the serious issues that are vital to integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The meeting observed that Joseph Colony attack was a repeat of Gojra carnage with a difference that no life was lost this time.

Mass killings of Hazaras amount to ethnic genocide, the former military leaders said, adding that inaction against the culprits and cash awards to the affected people cannot wash the humiliation caused to Pakistan in the international community.

Religious leaders should spread the principles of human values, equality and freedom that are most cherished by Islam. Objectives Resolution also guarantees that fundamental right and the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam shall be fully observed and any violation must be dealt with a firm hand, they opined.

PESA members appreciated the independence and courage shown by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in going ahead with preparation of revised nomination papers despite non-approval by the President.

They lauded the prompt support extended by the Supreme Court. However real test of the ECP will be implementation of the conditions prescribed under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution. Real change can only come when individuals with tainted past are weeded out right from the start, the former military strategists said.

PESA office bearers expressed concern over the on-going Anti-Army campaign through some selected electronic and print media. Its sole purpose is to destroy integrity and strength of the force that is engaged in defending country’s geographical and ideological frontiers and the national values.

Thousands of officers and soldiers have sacrificed their lives in fighting the extremist elements who want to enforce their own version of Islam. It is a matter of great satisfaction that despite this anti-Army campaign, the masses retain their total faith in the Armed Forces and look up to them as true defenders of the Republic.

The PESA members expressed surprise at policies of some of the TV channels, who spare no occasion to blame past military rulers for all the problems but at the same time they are giving almost daily coverage to political ambitions and programme of General Musharraf.

Musharraf flagrantly violated the Constitution, brought ignominy through misadventures like Kargil, Lal Masjid and tragedies of Mohtrama Benazir Bhutto and Sardar Akbar Bugti.

His unconditional submission to USA on just one phone call brought the war on terror inside Pakistan. On the economic front, through his inaction over building the Neelum Dam he has caused threat of perpetual loss of Jhelum River to Pakistan which could render Punjab into a desert, they said.

As a citizen of Pakistan, Musharraf should be free to return home but at the same time he should face the cases that are registered against him.

It was decided to hold a news conference to details about the conspiracies and plans of certain powers to not just destabilize but also break up Pakistan as one nation.