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Bajwa's visit stamped parliament's supremacy: PML-N lawmakers

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Press Trust of India Lahore
Last Updated : Dec 22 2017 | 7:06 PM IST
Paksitan Army chief Gen Qamar Jawed Bajwa's visit to the Senate has cleared the air about the future of the political set up in the country and his resolve for democracy has stamped the parliament's supremacy, lawmakers of the ruling PML-N said today.
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.
"In fact his visit has given a good message in and outside the country," Senator Pervaiz Rashid, a close aide to ousted premier Nawaz Sharif, told PTIwhen asked for his Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party's reaction to the development.
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."
"Gen Bajwa's coming to the upper house, accepting the supremacy of the parliament which is often remains in question and replying the questions of Senators in detail is unprecedented," said Rashid, who has also served as former federal information in this PML-N tenure.

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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".
"It has positive aspects as the Army chief's resolve for democracy has stamped the supremacy of the parliament. His briefing and replies to a number of questions have also evaporated the clouds of uncertainty hovering over the political landscape," Mushahidullah told PTI.
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.
There was another main aspect of the Army chief's visit to the Senate, Mushahidullah said, adding "such a visit brings two institutions closer and help remove misunderstanding between 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.

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First Published: Dec 22 2017 | 7:06 PM IST

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