Move to defame army amid Musharraf’s trial condemned

Lahore: Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Munawar Mughal on Tuesday rejected toxic criticism against armed forces amid Musharraf’s treason trial terming it a conspiracy aimed at demoralising Army to dismember Pakistan.

Those who violated constitution should be dealt according to the law but armed forces should not be criticised for actions of an individual, he said.

Business community of Pakistan unconditionally support the guardians of our ideological and geographical frontiers that have ensured national unity and stability by offering supreme sacrifices, said Munawar Mughal who is also former president of ICCI.

Speaking at a hurriedly called meeting, he said that Army has contributed immensely towards national security and nation building and will continue to deliver on its mission while the elements using Musharraf’s trial as ploy to defame Army are the enemies of Pakistan.

We have full faith in the abilities and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif who will steer country out of the problems it is facing, said Munawar Mughal.  At this critical juncture, every Pakistani must repose confidence in Army, ISI, MI and FC which is our critical line of defence, he added.

Munawar Mughal warned that Pakistan may not be able to survive if these institutions become fragile due to undue criticism of certain elements working on the agenda of enemies of the state.

He said that Army been surrounded by our eternal enemies who are against our existence but it has been working for a better, prosperous and safer Pakistan as a divided country cannot face any aggression.

Armed forces have needs respect and recognition instead of being condemned while the chiefs of national security agencies should not be summoned in the courts and grilled for actions taken to safeguard national interests; rather serious matters are always heard in closed door chambers.

The politicians, masses, intellectuals and media should also take into account the high death toll the national security establishment has rendered in doing their duties, said Mughal. Preserving dignity of Army is obligatory on every Pakistani as a demoralised Army will prove a death blow to the country, he warned.

He said that humiliation of army can result in clash between important institutions which would be unfortunate.