Kayani backs evacuation of troops from Siachen

Kayani backs evacuation of troops from Siachen

Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani on Wednesday called for the resolution of the Siachen issue saying it is a difficult front for both India and Pakistan, and armies should be pulled out from the area.

Emphasising peaceful coexistence with neighbouring countries, especially India, Kayani said that we should spend less on defence and more on the well-being of the people and development.

“The focus should be on the welfare of the people and every country should do this,” said Gen Kayani while talking to newsmen here at Skardu Airport.

The COAS feels both countries would be more secure and stronger if development was taking place and the people were happy. He, however, remained noncommittal when asked about former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s suggestion of unilateral withdrawal of Pakistani forces from Siachen.

The Pakistan army chief said that the world knows that they were not responsible for the Siachen issue.

“Pakistan deployed its forces on the Siachen Glacier in response to the Indian occupation of a part of the glacier,” said Kayani, adding: “The soldiers are doing their duty to defend the country and it is for the political leadership to find a solution,” he said.

Meanwhile President Asif Zardari visited the Gayari Sector in Siachen on Wednesday, to monitor the search and rescue efforts being undertaken and express solidarity with the soldiers and others buried under the avalanche.

The president took an aerial view of the site. Later, Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) Commander Major Gen Ikram-ul-Haq gave him a detailed briefing on the activities being carried out by the army personnel.

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Posted by Asma Rafique on Apr 19 2012. Filed under Pakistan. 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.