Army chief General Raheel Sharif. PHOTO: INP/FILE
The army chief was addressing his officers at Special Services Group (SSG) headquarters in Tarbela where he made these remarks in response to soldiers' concerns over "undue criticism of the [army] in recent days."
The criticism he referred to in his statement is most likely related to the treason trial of former army chief and president Pervez Musharraf. It was earlier reported that General Raheel had advised the government to let Musharraf go abroad for his medical treatment and to look after his ailing mother.
During his visit to the SSG headquarters, the army chief said Pakistan Army has contributed immensely towards national security and nation building and will continue to deliver on its mission.
“The army never has and never will shy away from rendering any sacrifice in ensuring a formidable defense and security of the motherland,” he was quoted as saying in the ISPR press release.
Background
Last month, a special court indicted Musharraf on five counts of treason over his suspension of the constitution and imposition of emergency rule in 2007, when he was trying to extend his rule.
Musharraf's indictment has broken an unwritten rule that the top ranks of the military are untouchable. He has pleaded not guilty and faces the death penalty if convicted.
Musharraf was forced to step down as president in 2008 after street protests spearheaded by the judiciary and an election in which his political supporters fared poorly against a pro-democracy party.
He returned to Pakistan in March 2013 after nearly four years of self-imposed exile to contest a general election in May that year but was disqualified because of court cases pending against him.
Since then, he has faced a series of charges including murder in connection with the assassination in 2007 of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.
Musharraf has denied all the charges, dismissing them as politically motivated, and is living under house arrest in his farmhouse on the outskirts of Islamabad.
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I believe the main problem that everyone supports Army are: 1. Democracy fails(as usual). 2. Judiciary is piece of crap(since 1947)
So last option left is Army, where else they can go to protect themselves. In that way I think lets be realistic and let the Army run the country: We are the nation that demands force, just like in school if Teacher is not harsh then we will not complete his H.W. So lets accept realities and go with the Army
The media including this article present things in a manner that you would dislike Army, Many of us know what game media is playing. General and Army didnot do anything to save Pervez Musharraf till now, and calling him a treator considering these corrupt politicians as part of holly democracy, this is the crime itself, General Raheel should say it learlier, he is late. Talibans are getting stronger because of Nawaz sharif and other supporters' orders to Army, and Army has to follow the ruler's orders or to take over. We, the general public of Pakistan love and respect our Army, we want a safe well developed Pakistan that our Army can give us not these politicians. If Army is incharge of country, these politicians lose their chances to loote it. Democracy is not something more than the truth and honour of a Pakistani soldier, not more than safety and stability of our country. We demand respect for every soldier including Pervez Musharraf.
Pakistan Army and other institutions are not outfits or proscribed groups about which there can be any doubt about role, responsibilities and jurisdiction. Those who are ignorant of the fact can still get a good idea about the series of political statements emitting from the leadership of a particular political party and its political ally in Sindh, which depicted if they are agents and spokespersons of India sitting in Pakistan. To have a fair idea of what was going on, one must recall open invitation by certain politicians to India to take over Pakistan. One wonders with such a grave corruption in Indian Armed Forces and Intelligence as highlighted, none of Indian nationals has blamed the Indian institutions, but in Pakistan a fraction of friends of enemies are openly criticizing institutions. There are visible footprints of foreign intelligence agencies everywhere in Pakistan and more dangerous is the employment by them of a good number of Pakistani, who have sold their conscience and joined enemy’s intelligence agencies and their front organizations. They include people from aa walks of life, posing the greatest threat to the country. If these activities continue, in the years to come, Pakistani leadership including political, civil and Armed Forces would be rendered mere puppets forced to compromise on the ideology and sovereignty of Pakistan on the dictates of western and Indian conspirators..
@zia:
Just like we are at the mercy of this Army.
@Malik Basit: Please also add the following institutions in your list: 1. NLC where Rs 1.8 Billion have been squandered by one Lt General and two Maj Generals. The matter of broad daylight theft was raised in PAC but was buried under the rug by Kiyani. The looted money is yet to be recovered. 2. Railways where a Lt General purchased faulty engines against hefty payments and also remember the shady deal of Railway land doled out to Royal Palm Club. 3. Manora Islands scandal involving huge kickback by Admiral Mansoorul Haq. 4. PIA destroyed by a number of Air Marshals. sir don't be selective and show the courage to call a spade a spade!!
At least freaking add a photo from when he became a 4 star general. Journalism ET?
@Assad:
Accused and indicted sir! The army medic centre was not providing any treatment but granted him medical certificates and the asylum. His defense team and the medics could have tried other options such as loss of memory or unawareness of guilt and could plea for Psychiatric treatment inview of further crimes that he is ACCUSED of, which could earn him several life sentences
Rex Minor
PAK ARMY ZINDA BAD
@Rasikh: this is the most insightful comment about this article. Bravo!
Will Nawaz Sharif end up being a record breaker of sorts if he gets ousted again by the army? That would make him the only Pakistan PM who got ousted twice by the army.
blocked my honest and clean comments again, you should be proud of your censorship et, your likes in media in pakistan have sold their souls for $$$ and do not have the courage to listen to truth anymore, shame on you ET!!!
We should be thankful for the military we have, as they are the only well disciplined institute in entire Pakistan. All those blaming it for everything from East Pakistan loss, to Osama, and terrorists are ungrateful and disingenuous. East Pakistan was lost because the politicians like Bhutto were not willing to give power to Mujibur Rehman, and militarily speaking it was impossible to defend with India jumping in. The terrorists have been eliminated (like in Swat) whenever the politicians allowed the Pak Army to take action. The final resolution depends on the civilian gov't and not on the military. Counting only failures, and not the successes such as help in every natural disaster, Swat operation, infrastructure development, defense exports, etc. etc. is completely disingenuous. The vast majority of people are with the Army and Musharraf.
@Umer: You better look at Ukraine without a Army they are at the mercy of Russians.
@Nadir: You seriously need to check on defense budgets of other countries. Pak Army is only paid for its pay, pensions, rations and defense procurement form defense budget. Rest every thing is managed by itself through all the projects you mentioned. If today governments starts paying for training, accommodation, and other maintenance expenditures Army will happily stop all welfare projects.
Mr. General nice said you are the Hero of Islamic Republic of Pakistan I solute you !!!!
The fact of the matter is that virtually all of our civil political leaders are morally bankrupt and totally corrupt. The ordinary soldier in our Army is more respectable than most of them. Pakistan' s survival depends to a great extent to the competence of our armed forces.
Please General, history will not grace you for the number of citizens that your Jawans kill but of how many jawans you have saved by not sending them to the caves of the brave. Ne muslim scholar of knowledge or those who are practicing muslims will hail your soldiers as Ghazis or martyrs. Though shall not kill is Gods commandment and this has not been revised in scriptures.
Rex Minor
Surely, you always do protect your own honor. Talk of "nation", who cares!!
@Last Word:
We'll see how much guts the military has to look down on the civilian dispensation. The government will simply cut down on the massive budget allocations which are meant to feed this monstrosity and the expense of education, health and social services for common Pakistanis. Let the army fund itself by way of selling plots in DHA, running Askari Bank, producing fertilizer and cement and churning out cornflakes.
Army will uphold its honour at costs - Just like it did when US Special Forces swooped into Abbotabad and carried out that infamous operation just a stone's throw away from Pakistan's equivalent to West Point and Sandhurst! Or preserving the honour by way of allowing drones to attack Pakistanis from Shamsi Airbase.
Poetic Justice if I might add.
Perhaps the army chief should question why the army is being critized. Transgression of authority and continuously damaging Pakistan for the last 60 years. The army leadership should learn some humility and learn to live within the law. If only their honour lay in what was good for Pakistan rather than the army.
this is his picture as Lt Gen. Now he is Gen and will act like 1
Marsha Law Please :)
"Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said on Monday that the army respects all the institutions of the country but will also preserve its own dignity and institutional pride at all costs"
I think what the general means is that the army generals will preserve their lofty lifestyles, power, free housing and agricultural lands, huge military spending etc.
Yes sir, surely we will do the honor after all we have forgotten the farewell of Raymond Davis, osama's presence and above all failure to detect helicopters who came for his hunt.
Army has to maintain the morale among its troops from the soldiers to the officers there is a pulse running in the army which brings the army chief under pressure and to give statements such as these. We should not be concerned as the army has nothing short of being supportive of this governments policies.
Ok, build a 2 lane highway each side going to MirpurSakhro to develop sprawling Karachi population. Build 2 lane road going to and from PNS Shifa Hospital. Opposite to PNS Shifa main gate is Blinded build 2 lane road going to and coming to Shifa Hospital. Work on PNS Round about. There is no communication between the general public with Pak Army. Stop importing Black Mercedes and White BMW for Pak Navy. Build hospital in MirpurSakhro.
@Lunacyassailam: What about 1977? It appears you like Zia ul Haq.
"Army will preserve its honour at all costs: Gen Raheel " +++++++++++++++++++ Likw itr did in the wars against Indian and in Kargil !.
@Rasikh: When some shameless Pakistanis are out to put down their very own Army for their self-interests and the gutless Government and its supporters won't stand up for the Army then its supporters in Pakistan, who clearly outnumbers the opponents, will stand with the Army and fight this malicious campaign.
May God always bless the Pakistan Army and all of its men and women in uniform!
@Rex Minor:
Accused does not equal guilty. Lets get clear on that. Musharraf served 45 years in the Army. He has full rights and access to the Army Medical facilities as and when needed.
@Raees Ahmad: Government has stopped army from taking any action, know before you speak.
honour?????? i kinda remember abject surrender in 1971 how many 90000? oh yeah
Seriously Dude?
If this honour means business interests then Army will definitely go to any length to defend them. And this honours means saving people and getting rid of few terrorists then it is only a lip service.
@Dr Sameena Hussain: what di mr beg do.. ??
The General need to do introspection whether the army has ever preserved its honour and dignity for the past six decades. In fact it failed in its prime duty of safeguarding the country against external and internal threats resulting in dismemberment of the country and loss of over forty thousand innocent lives at home. The motto of any army of the world is 'service before self' but in Pakistan it is just the opposite ie saving its own personnel even if found guilty by the judiciary and take retaliatory action against the militants only when its own troops are attacked by them.
Unlike our corrupt politicians, Pakistan Army has made innumerable sacrifices for our country.
These politicians have NO right to abuse the army. In 1999, the people actually celebrated the Army's takeover.
What has democracy given to the poor?
The corrupt politicians should be ashamed, to be calling a person who led Pakistan army, derogatory names.
These corrupt people should be taken to court by the army for using such derogatory language.
The people of Pakistan are with our Army. Long Live Pakistan Army.
*I salute Pak Army for sacrifices. Army is defender of my beloved homeland, but I can not salute corrupt individual. I disagree rather I protest COAS statement that "Army will preserve its honour at all costs". Dear Sir, Army should not do any thing that hurt their honour. I think prime duty of Army is to preserve and defend the honour of Motherland at any cost not a former COAS who abrogated constitution twice. Please I request do not behave like *" Might is Right" **
I am flabbergasted at the low level of professionalism in reporting. Do the ET journalists pay any attention to making sure facts are reported before publishing these stories? Do the editors ever fact check? For example Musharraf supported party, I guess the reference is to PMLQ, was NOT against democracy. Musharraf is NOT under house arrest. And Musharraf was NOT disqualified from elections because of pending court cases, but because the Supreme Court had ruled he had violated the constitution (though even that was illegal). Where did all these false statements come from?
Our honourable army should earn its respect & honour by abiding by the law.
@Umer: I guess you have never studied economics or finance? Just open up Pakistan's annual budget (you can find it on Govt's finance ministry website) & you'll be surprised to see that most of the budget is allocated to 1) Debt repayment & 2) Non-development & development budget 3) Salaries & perks of Govt employees, whereas under the head of armed forces budget everything is added i.e from military operations to salaries, and guess what? It is way less than the aforementioned budgetary allocations - quite a few billions rupees less! please do some research before you maliangin Pak army! - and one more thing! Pak army exports military equipment to various countries, hence increase in foreign reserves! please do some research instead of blindly pointing fingers at them :)
Very well, General. We'll take you for your word. But then, don't talk to the Taliban. Eliminate them. Erase them from existence - and your dignity and institutional pride will be restored. You owe that to your fallen soldiers and also to your country.
@Nikki: Wrong you are Sir, army is not the pride of Pakistan but Pakistan is the pride for the army-Let the people in khakis do not forget this and as long as they serve Pakistan they will live with it.
Rex Minor
@Omer:
vs Rogue state
So called democratic leaders of Pakistan could not rebuild Pakistan only in there such democracy cases file over 9 month old baby. Democratic leader are becoming a cause of joke for Pakistan in rest world. Long live Pak Army!
Honour?. What honour is there left to be protected?
Rouge Army..
Musharraf is not living under "house arrest." While his name is on ECL, he's a free man.
The army is dishonored by Musharraf's trial but not by the surrender of Pakistan's territory, politics, and sovereignty to a band of medieval terrorists? They can tolerate the beheading and hostage taking of dozens of soldiers and paramilitary, but can't have a dictator be charged with crimes he openly committed and would probably still get away with? Great, Pakistan is saved then!
I thought Army is supposed to protect Pakistanis and their boundaries.. If they have to protect themselves and their honour than who will protect Pakistanis?
The Army Chief has issued a veiled warning to NS on Musharraf's exit which the former appears to have backed-out after the deal made with the military. A direct confrontation between the military and the civilian establishments appears to be on the card and history repeating itself in not so distant future.
@hmm:
With the Army the country is not doing much better except we also have to pay into the huge Army budget.
Justice should. Prevail law should be equal for every one if musharaf has done wrong he should be punished
@Pakistani Patriot:
What? No one is above the law and none including military general should have the luxury to avoid prosecution. Problem is not Musharraf's trial per se if it is conducted fairly; it’s not prosecuting those others too who were also involved in serious crimes such as Asghar Khan case and Gojra massacre for insatce.
A million man army which let half of Pakistan fall under the sway of militants ... and you talk about honor?
Good timings and thanks for the reminder to many. we can't just let Nawaz and zardari nexus rule our country as their personal property.
General needs to remember that PM is the boss here. Musharaf has to pay for his dirty deeds, if he is getting indicted for what mess he did with this country, it is against it and not the army. Army needs to get mature, it is not the Pakistan of 80's. All the mess in this country is outcome of military interventions and dictatorships. High time for democracy.
@Pakistani Patriot: If Musharaf is the greatest general our army has produced then our army has no future.
Pak army is Pakistan's pride.
Asma Jahangir had predicted it correctly few months ago. She said that, so far all military takeovers in Pakistan had been bloodless coups but it will be different this time and also the army takeover this time will not be just for 8 or 10 years as in the past. Nawaz Sharif had an agreement with Raheel Sharif that he shall let Musharraf go after indictment. This was the reason that the army allowed Musharraf to appear before the court. But NS saw an opportunity after the indictment and is trying to outsmart the army. This time even saudis may not save him as they need RS (for Syria) more than NS now.
@Nadir: IF the civilian can not manage their affairs well then some1 has to do for them. In DHA, its 90% civilian who feel an honour to live. Go to Bahria town and other societies
His response is natural and strong when lunatics like Khawajas malign Army in public. Army does not need to stage a coup to protect its honour, there are 101 ways to send the message across and press the foot down, at the same time Kiyani methods of total free hand to corrupts with no holds bar hasnt worked at all. Pakistan will never need a coup if the illiterate and dumb politicians actually deliver instead of making fortunes through corruption, until that time of perfection Army & courts need to keep check on governments to deliver without taking over the government.
@Jibran:
Not hollow words Jibran. its a warning before any action. At present if army take over lot of people will be happy and distribute sweets.
thanks God the present Army leadership is conscios of it's reputation and honor. General kiyan's tenure was very demorlising for pakistan Army. If civilian leadership is given respect they loose no time to become worst dictators.
Absolutely right General, we are with you but tell us how are you going to do it? We see two solutions, one is martial law and the other is loyalty to the constitution. In other words either you are loyal to your institution or loyal to the Pakistani rule of law that is constitution. Security of institution at the cost of security of Pakistan is unacceptable and doing what an institution suppose to do will bring great honor and dignity within the institution.
@Jibran first of all it wasn't army who surrender to TTP nor did it had any humiliating defeat. Because of Army 90% of Fata is under Govt control and as for 50000 pakistani go and accuse your pathetic civilians govt who is so scared to give orders to carry out operation instead is having peaces talk with murderes of 50000 pakistani and ordering the release of TTP members so instead of spreading wrong information do something productive
And how sir, General Rakeel Sharif sir? Not by maqureding in khaki in cities and cantonments or providing asylum to thet accused in army medical centres
Rex Minor
We Pakistani always count on you,, but some black sheep's create mistrust. We remember one time when Army officials were ordered to not to go in uniform in public Places. But thanks God General Kiyani which has Done a phenomenal job to Bring the lost respect back to the heart of every Civilian. We Believe General Raheel will follow the footsteps of Kiyani, And never listen to those who are working for our foreign enemies, those want to indulge this state in civil war and turn it like Syria and Egypt...Every Man knows his business best.
The only institution holding this country together is the army. If it were not for the army interventions, the country would have been without dams, with the largest irrigation system in the world, without the telecom infrastructure and so on. If I were to look at it critically, the takeover, should have selected astute leaders and politicians to lead the country. Fortunately there is Imran Khan. We need a few more like him
I support his... Pak Fauj go ahead..
Those of you lecturing military to protect borders and not to interfere in ruling the nation, then you should also ask your civilian rulers who will loot the nation and consider it as their right (hint - Mr. Jatoi statement on live show).
@Ch. Allah Daad: Protecting one of Pakistan's and Army's greatest leaders against judicial and political victimization is a very honourable step. Kudos to General Raheel and slap on the faces of the Khawajas who cannot control their hatred in public.
Protect the Army's honour = no criticism of DHA, Fauji Foundation, golf courses, CSD's, General's, mess halls, Askari Foundation, dishing out agricultural land, etc will be tolerated? How about protecting the nation which is the job you get paid for?
Every country has an Army but it is honourable PAK ARMY who has a country where 50000 civilions died to PRESERVE Army.
Clear message, but knowing the history of NS, he will now turn against General Raheel instead of giving in. The instinct of revenge is very strong in NS and he has no control over himself in this regard.
WIthout army Pakistan will crumble down within hours, can our politicians protect our homeland when their whole families are living abroad? think for a moment & then criticise Pak army :) As far as i am concern, instead of a complete takeover army needs to clean up this country from all the corrupt entities, then general elections be held. This is the only possible solution for our miseries before its too late. I can never trust our police nor our politicians, we demand operation clean up before fair & free elections! Pakistan army Zindbad Pakistan Zindabad
Wanna see a real sharief in power. plz do some thing
Army respects all the institutions of the country but will also preserve its own honour at all costs.Army will not care if TTP kills civilians any how it will strike back to preseve its honour if attacked.
Army's main responsibility is to protect the borders...if they would have fulfilled their duty we wouldn't have been in such pathetic condition now ..
@Syed: so you have internet facility in cave? that is not a "cave" then.
These are kangaroo courts put up by last corrupt Chief Justice Ifthikar Chodhary. Personal vendettas are very clear in all cases. Musharraf fought the war against terrorism and extremism in his tenure and he is facing all these cases that are made against him by Al-Qaeda apologists.
What honour? They've nurtured all sorts of despicable 'strategic assets' (who are now a menace for their own country) for meddling in neighbouring countries, overthrown elected govts three times, lost all four wars against India and yet they eat up the lion's share of the budget to furnish its generals with VVIP lifestyles. And on top of it they have the gall to say that Pakistanis can't criticize their army?
Totally support what the COAS said. Government should not forget that they are ruling because army has secured the country. All those people advocating for democracy out there, in the last 5 years, democracy has totally destabilize the country. Army, please take over!
Its the cost that's frightening.........because the people have to pay in the end.
What honour with disgraced generals like Ayub, Yahya, Tikka, Zia-Ul-Haq, Beg and now Mush taking the law in their hands or trying to be 'King Makers'? Many thanks.
After humiliating defeat and surrender to the TTP, trading the blood of 50000 Pakistanis, unilaterally releasing TTP's terrorists, and accepting their claim in the land, you talk about honor.
Hollow words.
Shut down the military-owned mega businesses and concentrate on protecting the borders.
Mr. Raheel Sharif ! whatever happened in Musharraf tenor Army was really strong that not that and not before no one open their mouths.
But unfortunately army has become shameless during Mr. Kiyani tenor and now yours that no one is scared any more by Pakistan Army.
Yeh Cheez!!!
Dear Gen. Raheel. Isn't like that a student abuses his principal in front of the school and principal let the boy go without punishing him.
I think our army has become coward that whoever throws stones on them they just accept it with pleasure.
At least the army should take strict hard action not verbal on there peoples if somebody try to take them in hands.
What is this? A threat of violence against the army's critics? Someone should ask Mr. Raheel how exactly what these "costs" to 'preserve the army's honour' entail.
Actions speak louder than words. What is your stance on the humiliation of ex-COAS?
Good work COAS in putting NS and ex CJ on notice Well Done
& Sir who save this country , Please enlighten us about your views, as you know we lived in cave of Baluchistan...
The history of the Scythian army preserving its honor is etched through 1947,65,71,99 and the ages to come.
Army should have thought it over before it decided to overthrow peoples selected regimes for personal interest of its elite. its time such people should answer for the crimes they have been habitually commiting for last more than 6 decades.
Pak Army, We Love You ... Please Take Over ....