Didn't mean to hurt anyone, I respect every soldier of Pak Army: Ahsan Iqbal

Interior minister's further explanation comes after backlash over his remarks against DG ISPR's comments on economy

Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal has said he is “proud of the Pakistan Army” for carrying out anti-terror operation, Radd-ul-Fasaad, and he “respects every soldier”,  Express News reported.

“I am proud that Pakistan Army is carrying out Radd-ul-Fasaad Operation [Elimination of Discord]… and the government is providing funds for the countrywide anti-terror operation from the national exchequer,” the interior minister said hours before flying back to the country from the United States visit.

Ahsan’s further explanation came after the backlash over his recent comments against the military’s media director general who made remarks on the country’s economic condition.



Referring to his earlier remarks against Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) DG Major General Asif Ghafoor to refrain from commenting on national economy, Ahsan said: “I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I respect every soldier of Pakistan.”

A day earlier, the interior minister had said his criticism of the army spokesperson’s comments on the economy was not confrontational, but only meant to point out that every department has its own jurisdiction.

While addressing office-bearers and workers of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in New York, Ahsan stressed for national unity to steer the country out of all types of challenges.

“There is no rift between national institutions and thus no threat to democracy in the country,” he added.