In a rare move, Gen Bajwa had on Tuesday briefed the Senate -- the upper house of the parliament -- on security situation and regional issues including Pakistan's participation in the Saudi-led Islamic coalition.
"The Army chief's visit (to the Senate) was a 'value added' to this parliament as compare to the previous ones. He was the first army chief who replied to the questions of parliamentarians which never happened before.
When told that former Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani had also been to a joint sitting of parliament in 2011 after the US operation in Abbotabad to hunt Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, Rashid said: "The Army chief had then come to explain its (Army's) position on those tough questions being asked in the wake of the US violation of Pakistan sovereignty and the parliament in fact had given it (Army) an honourable exit."
Asked if the "fears" of National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq -- that the assemblies might not complete their tenure -- were addressed after Gen Bajwa's strong commitment for democracy, the Senator said: "The Army chief has clarified on those misgivings being linked to the Army on a platform like the parliament which is very much significant."
Federal Climate Change Minister and PML-N Information Secretary, Senator Mushahidullah Khan said the detailed briefing by Gen Bajwa in the Senate made a "big difference".
Gen Bajwa, during an 'in-camera session' of the Senate Committee of the Whole on Tuesday, had pledged his commitment to democracy and the rule of law and categorically denied the military's role in "destabilising the civilian government".
He had even asked the parliament to take the lead in framing foreign and security policies and vowed to implement them.
This dialogue between the Army top brass and parliamentarians should continue, he said and suggested after six or eight months such an interaction should be arranged.
Another ruling party Senator, who requested anonymity, said "as a whole" they were happy to listen to the views and clarifications of the Army chief on some controversial matters.
"Now as the delimitation bill is passed and the Army chief has put his weight behind the democratic set up in the country, we think not only the general election will now be held on time but also the threat to the Senate election this March is no more," the Senator said.
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app