Islamabad, Oct. 15 (TNS): Responding DG, ISPR Presser, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal stated that all institutions must work within their defined domains.
“We are all in one boat. If we work together, then we’ll get to our destination. Things deteriorate if one leaves their own paddle and starts using the other’s paddle” the minister said in a statement.
Ahsan was reacting to Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor statement who had that the armed forces pose no threat to democracy in Pakistan.
Ahsan said, “I respect the emotions of the soldiers and the nation but we have emotions too. Instead of being emotional we should work together…what I said was based on how I felt as a democrat”.
Iqbal, who also holds the portfolio of the development and planning ministry, said he was discussing the positive aspects about Pakistan in a World Bank meeting when “it was said that you are saying one thing and the army something else”. “So I was taken aback. But now the army spokesperson has given a clarification and I don’t believe that a reply to his reply would be appropriate [now].”
Iqbal said “we will have to work together. State institutions need to be on the same page. Those who want to create misconceptions and are always looking to ignite conflict must be upset [with the recent rapprochement].
Talking about the military operations ongoing in the country, the minister said the army is doing good work in [Operation] Radd-ul-Fasaad and giving sacrifices. He added that the government is paying for the operation by tightening its belt.
