Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani emphasis the need for participation by all political parties. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) release on Thursday, the army chief visited Quetta and held meetings with the Governor Zulfiqar Ali Magsi and caretaker Chief Minister Nawab Ghous Bakhsh Barozai.
They discussed the prevailing security situation and smooth conduct of the upcoming general elections. The army chief said that the army will extend possible assistance for holding free, fair and peaceful elections.
The provincial leadership was further assured by Kayani that the army will welcome an all inclusive elections. The need for participation by all political parties in the May elections was also emphasised.
During his visit, he was also briefed by Commander of the Southern Command about the security situation in the province and progress of development projects undertaken by the army in Balochistan.
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@BLing BLing: yes Dear, every Pakistani owns Balochistan as would Gen Kayani. No matter how hard you people train few terrorists, Pakistan will keep owning Balochistan. Sweet dreams
We love you and proud of you Pak Army
Did any one ask him what his preference would be? Everyone would welcome "an all inclusive election"! I am sorry but we in India would resent very much if a khaki tried to intrude where he doesn't belong!
In this political season is it imp to see political and populist statements by the generals and SC CJ on the daily basis. They are paid govt servants and should be the pillars of politics.
Thanks to Army for approving security plans in elections.
He talks as if he owns Balochistan! Oh wait... this is Pakistan we are talking about :(
According to Article 62/63 any Person who talks against the Ideology of Pakistan is not allowed to run for elections. So Mr Kayani dont point score here as the constitution of Pakistan itself is closing doors on All Balochs as You are snatching their right to disagree with your so called Virtual ideology of Pakistan. I think Mr Kayani should use the term All Exclusive rather than All Inclusive as the state policies are telling us otherwise. Bringing Baloch Leaders into Parliament is to make sure that they will remain silent as they will know that after 5 years they will be jailed if Supreme Court will check out that they violated the aforementioned article. It is a trap for them and nothing else.
@Enlightened: A political statement has been made because the matter is regarding the security of the province and its polling stations. If all parties do not take part then it will increase unrest and those boycotting will not just sit around but will rather work to inflict harm to the democratic system. The army is concerned about the TTP but when the whole country invites them to provide security because the other forces are unable to then maybe you should respect the chiefs concerns.
Why a political statement has been made by COAS ? He should be focusing his energies to defeat the TTP who is creating mayhem in whole of Pakistan.
Yeah yeah yeah we believe you ( general kiyani ) when you say that ( peaceful free & fair) elections. And also would it not be better to STOP kill and dump policy as a goodwill gesture.