Ex-servicemen bodies condemns statement of Indian army chief

Lahore: Two major organizations of former servicemen have decided to join hands in a bid to counter prevailing internal and external threats to the country.

The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association (PESA) and the Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PESS) have decided to merge into one organisation to mobilise over two million former servicemen for the sake of defending vital national interests of Pakistan.

The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting of the Executive Council of PESA which was chaired by Lt Gen Ali Kuli Khan.

The meeting took serious note of the prevailing internal and external threats to Pakistan’s security and its existence as a sovereign country. Members condemned the threatening statement of Indian Army chief as it clearly showed that their military is the biggest impediment against restoration of peace between the two countries.

Members expressed full confidence and support for our armed forces and their leadership for their preparedness and determination to defend the country against all odds.

Economic situation is also not showing any signs of recovery and the cost of living is rapidly going beyond the reach of common man, mostly due to corruption and mismanagement, it was noted.

Members were of the view that the situation demands total national unity to stand up to these multiple challenges and threats. For this purpose, it was considered necessary that both, PESA and PESS must join hands to mobilize over two million ex-servicemen and create awareness among the masses.

Accordingly, it was decided to merge these two organizations at the earliest. Modalities and other details of merger shall be finalized in the next few days. The main objectives of unified organization will be defence of Pakistan, rule of law, respect for the Constitution, and welfare and relief for the people of Pakistan and ex-servicemen.

Admiral Fasih Bokhari, Vice Admiral Ahmad Tasnim, Lt Gen Karamat, Lt Gen Naeem Akbar, Maj Gen HUK Niazi, Mr Salim Nawaz Gandapur, Major Qaiser Nawaz Gandapur, Brig Riaz Ahmad, Brig Mian Mahmud, Major Farouk Hamid Khan, Maj Babur Zaheeruddin, Brig Simon Sharaf, Brig Masud ul Hassan, Lt Gen Hamid Gul, President of PESS and others were also present in the meeting.