Criticism, efforts to drag Army in political struggle unfortunate: PEW

Lahore: The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Sunday lauded the neutrality of Amry amidst the political crisis which has taken country and economy as hostage.

Army leadership is against any intervention in the crisis and it is not involved in backing directly or indirectly the protesters camped out on Constitution Avenue, it said.

However, irresponsible talk, rough statements and flawed analyses by some quarters alleging Army for the political unrest compelled DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa to issue clarification which is unfortunate, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PEW.

The political crisis was used by some politicians, mainly from Mianwali, Rawalpindi and Gujrat, to drag the Army into controversy by creating an impression that their move against elected government was backed by that national institution.

However, the fact remains that the Army is not interested or involved in politics and its top leadership has categorically stated that it supports the on-going democratic process.

Despite invitations for intervention, COAS General Raheel Sharif recently said that the Army believe in continuation of the democratic process that was the only course by which country can make its way into the ranks of developed countries.

Raheel’s statement was a setback for the self serving conspirators who misguided their followers and triggered uncertainty as their hopes for a rescue from the mess they created for themselves diminished.

Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that Army is our defender which is currently engaged in decisive battle of ‘Zarb-e-Azb’ as well as rescue and relief in flood affected areas therefore they should be allowed to focus on their job of discharging national obligations.

Lauding the patience of the Government, he said that time has come to push the protesters peacefully from the sites they occupy while all those involved in violence should be arrested and prosecuted.

Politicians created the crisis, they should resolve it, said Dr. Mughal.