Democracy taking root in Pakistan, says army chief

Important day for continuity of democracy in the country, Gen Qamar says at President Alvi's inauguration

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Sunday that democracy in the country is being fostered with time.

The army chief was speaking to the media at the Arif Alvi's oath-taking ceremony, Express News reported.

"Democratic institutions are quickly becoming more robust and will only get stronger with the passage of time," Gen Qamar was quoted as saying.

"This is an important day for the continuity of democracy in the country," the COAS added.



Alvi was sworn in as Pakistan’s 13th head of state in a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar administered the oath in a ceremony, which was attended by top civil-military brass including Prime Minister Imran Khan, Bajwa and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gen Zubair Hayat among other civil and military leaders.

Saudi, Chinese diplomats also attended the presidential oath.

The newly-sworn in president was later given his first guard of honour by the smartly turned out contingents of the armed forces at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Alvi is succeeding Mamnoon Hussain, who took oath as 12th head of state on September 9, 2013 after his election as a candidate of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).