Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif lamenting how an old speech of his had been presented out of context, asserted late on Friday that he respects and acknowledges the sacrifices made by the armed forces of Pakistan, Express News reported.
In an attempt to ease tensions between the army and government, Asif said he was not trying to undermine the efforts of the armed forces, adding that some people were trying to create misconceptions by repeating a speech delivered many years ago.
The defence minister added that that the army is an asset of the country and he is proud of the valour and sacrifices of the armed force personnel for the protection of Pakistan.
He lamented that some people were trying to create differences between civil and military leadership when army is engaged on many fronts, adding this is not in the interest of the country.
Earlier, there were reports of tension between the army and government after a speech of Asif from 2006 resurfaced and went viral on the social media in which Asif was seen heavily criticising the armed forces.
During a visit to the headquarters of the Special Service Group (SSG) at Ghazi Base, Tarbela on April 7, 2014, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif had said that the army will uphold the sanctity of all institutions but will “resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride”.
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If this is an old speech but its reflection of mind set of NS party. Yes people change with time but NS seems to ve learned nothing. Someone should org gathering of 50000 shaheed family and ask their opinion. Pl don't leave us at mercy of those indecisive leaders who can not take tough decision despite 2/3 majority.
There are many Other good people in the PML N who could have chosen for the post of defense minister
So the accused has confessed to his crime. Yet blames it to the past?
LIAR! LIAR! pants on ........
It is no secret what kind of 'LOVE' they (PML-N) have for our armed forces.
What is so contemptful? The armed forces run on our money, the tax payers money. They should respect us, the awaam and our elected politicians. Not the other way around. What have they done to demand respect? 65,71,99?
We have seen on TV how much you respect the armed forces.
i'm definitely not a PML-N supporter by the widest of margins, but dragging up a 6 year old speech given under trying circumstances of a military dictatorship has to be well hatched plan. We can only make a well reasoned assumption who is behind orchestrating the media. Shame on them!
The so called hate speech was delivered during Musharaf regime. The coward dictator did not take action against him at that time, but his supporters are using someone else's shoulders now to take revenge.