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‘Army supports election on schedule’

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Army has made it clear that the military supports free, transparent and timely elections in the country.

Speaking to media here on Thursday, military spokesman, Major General Asim Salim Bajwa repudiated media reports that recent moves by certain political forces including cleric Tahirul Qadri to question the integrity of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) were backed by the army in an apparent bid to secure postponement of elections.

“Army has nothing to gain from delay in polls,” he said adding that the army wishes that general elections should be held in the country according to schedule in a free, fair and transparent manner.

The Inter-Services Public Relations director-general said any decision to deploy army in Balochistan would be made by the government. It could call out the army in the province or any city under article 245 of the constitution to help civilian administration control law and order.

Maj-Gen. Bajwa said the army has been supporting the democratic government for five years, adding why would it be changed in the end? What would army gain if polls are delayed, he asked.

Frontier Constabulary is leading operation in Balochistan with the assistance of intelligence and police, he said and added they are taking action against all terrorist outfits including Lashkar-e-Jhangvi.

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