Only 47 persons are missing in Balochistan: Gen Kayani

In quite a rare public appearance, Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani rejected allegations about the involvement of secret agencies in the kidnapping and forceful disappearances, saying only 47 people are missing in Balochistan.

Interacting to senior journalists at a farewell reception given in the honour of outgoing Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman at the Prime Minister House, the military chief defended his institution, saying its activities had helped in improving the living standard in the province.

He observed, “Even now, there are Baloch who have seen a 10 rupee currency note for the first time in their lives”.

About the dirty politics of agencies, the COAS said that the Mehrangate scandal was a 20-year old issue and if one wants to fight with history in this context, it’s their choice to do so. He, however, said establishing institutions require a lot of hard work and the media should be careful while criticizing them.

The chief was of the opinion that he will not hold a meeting with any senior US military officer including Gen Mattis before the joint session of Parliament scheduled for March 17. He categorically said only Parliament will decide about the resumption of NATO supply route.

In reply to a query, Kayani said that no further cantonments will be established in the province, adding that only the Frontier Constabulary (FC) was performing its duties there. About 10,000 youngsters have been recruited into the security forces from the region who were about to complete their training periods.

About alleged involvement of intelligence agencies in the missing persons’ cases, the military chief said that institutions were not made easily. He, however, confessed the reality that they were not above criticism.

Kayani opined that one should be careful while criticizing and one must not dent national institutions.

He complained, “The debate (on TV channels) does not support national institutions as it works to de-motivate soldiers performing their duties in 20?Celsius below the freezing point. We need to motivate our soldiers instead of demoralising them by such debates”.

In quite a unparallel move, he quoted the example of the US, saying the American army was not criticized by its people as harshly as the Pakistan Army was criticised by the people.

The American media is careful in reporting events of the US casualties in Afghanistan, he added. In his view, the ruthless criticism of ISI in Pakistan was far higher than any criticism made on RAW, Mosad or the CIA in India, Israel or America.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Mar 15 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan, Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.