ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Karachi and said the Army was ready to restore peace in the mega city if asked by the government.
Exclusively speaking to The News after attending a function at the GHQ, he said it was the duty of the Army to serve the nation.
He parried a question on whether the government had made any contact with him for calling out the Army in Karachi.
To another question, he, however, said that by utilising the services of the Rangers and police in an effective manner in the industrial hub of the country, the situation could be brought under control. He said it was wrong to undermine the ability of the Rangers.
General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said Karachi is the jugular vein of the country’s economy and it will be a great injustice if the deteriorating law and order situation there is allowed to continue for a longer period.
Asked whether the Army intended to intervene in the matter itself, the Army chief said it was impossible adding there were central and provincial governments both of whom were hectically engaged over the issue. General Kayani said it was very regrettable that innocent people were being killed in Karachi.
To a question about the lack of US appreciation of the role of the Pakistan armed forces in combating terrorism, the Chief of Army Staff said, “We should not look for appreciation from another country. The world knows well that the Pakistan armed forces are fighting this war against terror”, he said.
He pointed out that in any international context, the Pakistan Army beats others in demonstrating its all round skills. He said he told an American general about the capability and capacity of the Pakistan armed forces and he too acknowledged it.
Chairman Senate Farooq H Naik and DG ISPR Major General Athar Abbas were also present on the occasion.
