Kayani says people need to rise above their perceptions of ethnicity, social and sects when voting.
“Elections will be held on May 11. There should be no doubt in that.”
Speaking at the fourth annual Youm-e-Shouhada conference in Rawalpinidi, Kayani said “this is a golden opportunity to start off a new democratic era.”
The COAS added that the hide and seek game between democracy and dictatorship cannot only be ended through retribution, but by increasing awareness and participation of the people.
“If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system.”
On the army's role in the upcoming elections, he said that “I assure you, that we stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections; to the best of our capabilities and remaining within the confines of the Constitution.”
“I also assure you that this support shall solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country."
'This is our war'
The COAS reiterated that the fight against extremism was not just a fight for the army but for the nation.
“I want to ask that if a group rises up against the Constitution and wants to force their wrong thinking on us, and for this purpose believes in not only all kinds of bloodletting is justified, but also takes up arms against the state, its judicial process and innocent civilians – is that someone else’s war?”
"Considering this war against terrorism as the war of the armed forces alone can lead to chaos and disarray that we cannot afford."
“Our external enemies are busy fanning this fire.”
Kayani said that despite death of thousands of soldiers, police, Rangers, FC, Levies and civilians, some quarters still want to entangle them in the argument of why did the war start or who wants to impose the war. “To understand the reasons for this, as necessary in its own right it is, but the fact is Pakistan and the Pakistani people are the targets of this war.”
He pointed out that treachery against the state and its Constitution were never tolerated and that on such occasions the question of “is this our war?” was never raised.
“A soldier’s mind and his mission cannot be subject to such doubts.”
The Army chief added that there remains room for the extremists to return to the national fold, but only if they unconditionally accept the state of Pakistan, its Constitution and law. “In the matter of traitors, there is no space for doubt.”
“We will not let the blood of our soldiers be let in vain.”
He paid tribute to the families of those had lost loved ones and to those members of the armed forces, police, Levies and FC who had been killed in the line of duty
COMMENTS (22)
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Hats off to you Kayani sahab! you have done an amazing job as being one of the few unbiased Generals in Pakistan in order to save democracy!
In no other country the Army is there to comment on elections. Sir, please do what job you have been asked to do, that is protect the citizens where our agencies have failed miserably over last 10-15 years. and there is no need to comment on civilian affairs. Let the election commission and parties decide on that.
Then what will happen?
@syed ali aqa: Just to correct your hotchpotch narration. Imran Khan says: -) Pull out of War, Give no reason for any state to transgress our sovereignty. -) Therefore then considering it our war as then it would us and them and no one else. -) Process filters and deters other narratives. Go for a political solution. -) Deal militarily with any remaining hatred and terror mongers
Why an army general has to re assure us on elections. Why not the constitutional head of the government which includes the armed forces I.e the President of Pakistan is bold enough to give such comments. Mr powerful should take practically visible steps to secure the lives of Pakistani citizens which are being killed in everyday blasts.
A Pro Democracy General, please do one more favour to the nation and that is to deploy more army personnel inside the polling stations in Karachi to avoid rigging and snatching public mandate.
@Hamid Khan: "When army-men stay in their role then everyone should appreciate. Bravo Kiyani"
SO they are protecting Pakistani sovereignty from TTP rather well - right? Isn't that their primary role - to protect Pakistan sovereignty?
This is called think through and clarity on all directions. The words showing the courage and dignity. I wish if 5% could come in these politicians. This country would fly like anything.
Allah bless our Chief of Army Staff. Allah bless our entire army. We love our army. Allah protect our army from Generals like Pervez Musharraf.
The perfect speech at the perfect time.
The General makes lots of statements but takes no action on the ground. There is complete failure of intelligence agencies as TTP has fanned out and now well entrenched in almost all parts of Pakistan with military completely on defensive. Various operations launched were either faulty or abandoned midway after suffering lot of causalities and TTP is now able to strike at will on soft as well as military targets. 35000 innocent civilians and 7000 military pers have died in this war and more blood-shed is likely to take place after the elections. What has military achieved so far and can they defeat TTP is the most important question which military has to answer and soon enough before everything is lost.
Key note at the very appropriate time...... this way he has build up the confidance of the nation and has clarifed the antibodies that Elections will only be hold on 11th May 2013.....and there will be no delay in any case.
there is still ray of hope against terrorists. Bravo Pakisan Army.
TTP animals. HERE I COME: PAKISTAN
For the first time in the history of Pakistan the Army is playing a constructive role vis-a-vis democracy and nation building. Late 65 years, but at least its a start nonetheless. Carry on General, the nations is with you!
General Kiyani is one of the Army General's and Chief of the Army Staff who has supported democracy since ever he took charge from his predecessor.
The law and order of Pakistan is as such that without deployment of Army Troops on the Election Day, i.e. May 11, 2013, it would be very difficult for the Police, Rangers and other Civilian Agencies to manage law and order in the country.
There are several areas and constituencies which have been declared sensitive. My only point is why not Pakistan should have a terrorism free day on May 11, 2013, so that all the registered voters having CNIC's should go out to their respective polling stations to cast their votes, no matter if some one is sick or on the wheel chair.
The next general elections will be held after five long years. If people will have peace of mind and are not terrorized, the voters will definitely go out to cast their votes according to their free will and this can only happen when Jawan's of Pakistan Army will be deployed to protect the voters at the polling stations.
Let the Pakistan Army give to the voters piece of mind by deployments the troops at the polling station all across the country, so that free, fair and impartial election should be held on May 11, 2013.
PAKISTAN ZINDABAD
We truly respect our armed forces and acknowledge the sacrifices they are making for Pakistan. We must get united and vote. We cannot bring feudals again in our assemblies. Vote for new faces and bring common man to parliament. Vote for PTI.
When army-men stay in their role then everyone should appreciate. Bravo Kiyani
Please emphasize on the terrorism part of his speech. That seems to be a more pronounced issue than elections right now. I was expecting that part of the speech to be headlined here on ET.
Kayani, please order your troops to take positions in Karachi, Baluchistan and other sensitive areas to avoid the rigging. Your contribution for the country and democracy will never be completed without doing so. Don't let the thugs and terrorist mafias and parties to dictate their nefarious agenda on 11th May.
Phew! I was so worried.
A positive note from the General.