Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif offers Fateha at the Martyrs Monument at GHQ in Rawalpindi. PHOTO: PPI
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif apparently rebuked Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hassan for stirring the ‘martyrdom controversy,’ as he paid a rare visit to the General Headquarters on Tuesday to publicly acknowledge the sacrifices of the armed forces in the fight against militancy.
This was Nawaz’s first visit to the army’s nerve centre in the garrison city of Rawalpindi since assuming office in June this year and came at a time when hopes of a peace deal with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan are fast fading.
The prime minister, who was joined by army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, laid a floral wreath at the Martyrs Monument.
In a meeting with the army chief and principal staff officers, Premier Nawaz said the army had set ‘an historic example’ by sacrificing their lives for the defence of the motherland.
“Those who have fought for Pakistan, Ghazi (living) and Shaheed (martyred), have sacrificed their today for ensuring a better tomorrow for our future generations and all of them are our benefactors,” he remarked in an apparent response to the JI chief’s statement questioning the martyrdom of Pakistani troops and declaring TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud a ‘martyr.’
Federal Information Minister Senator Pervaiz Rashid told reporters that the prime minister’s GHQ visit was meant to show solidarity with the army. He said that the government did not consider the army’s public condemnation of Munawar Hassan’s remarks as political interference.
The army has sought an ‘unconditional apology’ from the JI chief over his controversial remarks. However, the religio-political party, a staunch supporter of the army during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, refused to apologise and termed the army’s demand ‘interference in political matters’.
According to an official release, the prime minister said that each soldier of the army enters into the battlefield with the passion to lay down his life for the country and with the desire to embrace martyrdom.
“It is this passion and high morale that is the biggest strength of our forces. Those who have laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism would be remembered forever,” he added.
Briefing on security
According to the official statement, the prime minister, who was also accompanied by ministers of interior and finance, was given a detailed briefing on the current security situation, including internal and external challenges.
The briefing was given by the chief of army staff and principal staff officers on operational environment, spectrum of threat, national security issues, contributions of the army in nation-building, support to civil administration in law and order situations and natural calamities.
A military official familiar with the briefing said that the prime minister and the military brass also discussed the prospects of peace talks with the TTP following the killing of Hakimullah Mehsud and appointment of Mullah Fazlullah as his successor.
However, the military was apprehensive of any positive outcome of the government’s efforts since the new TTP chief has already refused to hold negotiations.
The contentious US drone campaign also came under discussion and there was a consensus that the matter should be settled through diplomatic means instead of restoring to any other measure.
The prime minister said Pakistan is a democratic and peace-loving country and wants proliferation of stability in the world. “The people of Pakistan repose full trust in democracy and believe that a strong defence and stable democracy are essential for the country,” he added.
The prime minister added that he had utmost confidence in the professional capabilities of Pakistan Army and hoped that “Inshallah Pakistan would soon be recognised as a peaceful and developed country among the comity of nations.”
Kayani’s successor
Tuesday’s visit also provided an opportunity to the prime minister to interact with the country’s potential new army chief.
One of the strong contenders for the post is the current Chief of General Staff Lt Gen Rashad Mahmood who was seen shaking hands with the prime minister and sitting next to Gen Kayani during the security briefing.
The government has yet not officially announced who would replace Gen Kayani on November 28. The information minister has insisted that the decision would be taken in the best interest of the nation and at an appropriate time.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 13th, 2013.
COMMENTS (19)
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The ET moderator at the time of publishing of the story (about 8-9 hrs ago) is a shameless character. He censored all comments criticizing Nawaz Sharif. Now just look the above comments. What kind of garbage he has allowed to go through. Is this PTV of the 1990s?
@Pea Brain: Very funny
NS, What do you say about the martyrs of Kargil war? You made them scapegoat just to please your lord (USA). What is wrong in this comment ET? Although it is bitter yet it is truth.
@np, I wonder If you not familiar with, Its an open fact that Pakistan has one of the best army. I am not only saying the whole world knows about it. Its true that army is equipped with sophisticated weapons, strong commitment to their services, and their exceptional skills in warfare. I will suggest you to read international military journals and files of combined military exercises ...
No need to say even a single world on this issue, The peoples those are dying while defending their homeland are the martyrs , they maybe uniform personnel or the civilian.
@yasir: It is entirely appropriate that you value the sacrifices of your soldiers. But what criteria did you use to determine that it is one of the best armies in the world?
Pak Army, the whole nation respect your sacrifices. We extend immense tribute to your services for the nation. We are proud to have one of the best army in the world..
We are living in an independent state and it is only due to the sacrifices of our civilian and armed forces martyrs right from independence till date who have laid down their lives to safe guard the motherland for our future generations.
May Al-Mighty Allah rest their souls in peace. Ameen.
Mian Nawaz Sharif has bailed out Army during the time of reputation crisis. He is the real Lion of Pakistan.
What's with the suit? he's both airheaded and lacks a fashion sense. What will become of us?! Also, is it just me or does it seem like they are both practicing Tai Chi?!
Thank you PM Nawaz Sharif for standing up for the real shaheeds and their families
@xor: Petty people focus on petty things, I guess.
Whether one agrees with PM or not fact remains army provides security to millions of Muslims who live within border of Pakistan as perform their religious duties as Muslims. Everyone must acknowledge and appreciate their sacrifices. Those who are calling their ultimate sacrifices as not shaheed don't have a face to show to people. Is there a single thing they can cite that they have done for the country - beside being in politics for their personal agenda?
If Mr Sharif really respects army martyrs then he should also take action against Munawar Hassan for humiliating those greats who gave their lives for the nation.
We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan. We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan. We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan. We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan. We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan. We Want Action Against Munawar Hassan.
By An Ex-Serviceman
Very good Mr. PM. We can not live without the army.
Sanity prevails.. for now atleast :) Well played sir, very well played.
What is the criteria of 'Martyr'?
Does he carry his 'notes' about what to speak and what not, all the time in his every visit?
Salam to Pak Army!