In unusually tough remarks, Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif today said that while the military upholds the sanctity of all institutions, it will resolutely preserve its own dignity and pride.
The remarks came amidst, what a military statement described as "undue criticism" of the army, especially in context of the high treason trial of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.
General Sharif, who has so far resisted from speaking tough in the public domain, visited the headquarters of Special Service Group (SSG) at Ghazi Base, Tarbela today.
Incidentally, Musharraf also belonged to the SSG.
Speaking to SSG officers and soldiers, Sharif said Pakistan Army never has and never will shy away from rendering any sacrifice in ensuring a formidable defence and security of the country.
Drawing its strength from national support, with its characteristic coherence and resilience, Pakistan Army has contributed immensely towards national security and nation building and will continue to deliver on its mission, a statement released by the military here said.
"While our country is faced with multiple internal and external challenges, Pakistan Army upholds the sanctity of all institutions and will resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride," the statement quoted Gen Sharif as saying.
It added that Sharif was responding "to the concerns of soldiers on undue criticism of the institution in recent days".
A number of analysts and politicians from the ruling as well as the opposition parties have not shied away from criticising Musharraf and dragging the army into it.
The military here has so far avoided saying anything on the record over the trial or criticism. The statement today is the closest that they have gone to express their views.
Musharraf on March 31 was indicted by a special court hearing the high treason case against him.
The military has ruled Pakistan for about half of its 66-year history and no ruler or top military commander has ever faced criminal prosecution before Musharraf.
Since Musharraf returned to Pakistan from self-exile in March last year, he has faced prosecution in four major cases, including for his alleged involvement in the murder of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto in 2007 and the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Akbar Bugti in 2006.
