In an unusual move, Pakistan Army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa has batted for democracy and the need for strengthening of institutions in the coup-prone country, as he shared the dias with Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Addressing the Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony organised by the Army at its headquarters in Rawalpindi on Thursday, Bajwa said that continuation of democracy was must for development and progress of the country.
His significant comments came two days after visiting US Secretary of State gave a pep talk to Bajwa on the importance of strong democratic institutions in Pakistan.
The army chief said that for the country's stability and progress, democracy is of utmost importance.
"Democracy cannot blossom without observing the democratic traditions in true spirit and without the strengthening of institutions," he was quoted as saying by Dawn newspaper.
"We have set on this path 10 years ago," he said, apparently referring to the smooth transition of power to civilian leaders in the country after the rule of former military dictator Gen. Pervez Musharraf.
"Today we are more united and more resolute. This is a message that Pakistanis are not ones to fear any crisis and will soar to new heights soon."
"We are also facing a war against poverty, hunger and illiteracy, and to fight it national unity was required and everybody will have to think above themselves."
"The Pakistan army is running at its best because of non-political interference and its priority for merit," Khan said, adding that "political interference destroys institutions."
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