By Imran Nasir

ISLAMABAD (TSAT) - Pakistan army on Thursday strongly reacted over the recent statements from some politicians against the armed forces and said no one can divide the Pakistan army.

Talking with local Dunya TV’, the Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Babar Iftikhar said that enemy always try to create a rift in the relationship between the nation and Pakistan Army.

“However, enemy has never remained successful in its efforts and will never be in future also. In this context, we have seen enemy's concerted efforts for the last 15 years seen in the shape of EU disinfo lab. However, Pakistan Army’s commitment to serve the nation will be unaffected and likewise, enemy designs to damage respect and love of the nation for its forces will never succeed,” DG ISPR said.

Responding to a question regarding the recent statements of some politicians against the armed forces and its commanders, he said that it's unfortunate that I had to give the statement today but it’s not related to only one particular political party.

“In last few days, political leadership of all parties have given statements which are negatively affecting the Pak Army, its leadership and morale of its forces,” Gen. Babar said.

DG ISPR added that he has stressed repeatedly to keep the armed forces out of politics.

“For the last 74 years, it’s been the demand of the nation and political leadership that Pak Army should limit its role (in politics). It's not the decision of an individual, rather it’s the decision of the institution that we should not be involved in the politics due to security challenges,” he explained.

“We need to work hard to tackle the security challenges and there will be no forgiveness if there is any security lapse.”

DG ISPR clarified that If someone talks about divisions in Pakistan Army, he is utterly uninformed of the army's culture.

“Soldiers and officers in Pak Army who are participating in operations are willing to lay down their lives and follow orders of their leaders while all commanders and officers follow orders of Chief of Army Staff,” he explained.

Gen. Babar said that soldiers and officers gave their lives for the nation on orders of corps commanders and COAS.

“It must be clarified that no one can divide Pak Army,” he vowed.

Responding to another question that the country’s law has not allowed anyone to speak against the armed forces why action has not been taken against those who criticized army and its leadership on social media, electronic media, and even by some analysts. Gen. Babar said they have no issue with constructive criticism.

“But nowadays, what is happening on SM is not criticism, but is propaganda. There is a difference between criticism and propaganda,” he lamented.

He added that hybrid warfare is happening against Pakistan and information technology tools are being used in hybrid warfare at a high level.

“Due to advancements in information technology, it has become difficult to differentiate between reality and propaganda. Therefore, it is necessary that political leadership, army leadership, rank and file, media and our journalists should understand what the red lines are and should refrain from making institutions controversial because it will harm the nation and country as a whole.”

DG ISPR said that in the Army, command is the most important role, whether a major commanding a company or a Captain commanding a platoon or a Corp Commander or COAS.

“Commanding any Corp is an important position after COAS,” he clarified.

“Troops, formations of Peshawar Corps, are involved in active combat. 70% of Pak Army is deployed and the units in cantonments are very small in number.”

“Pak Army is fully deployed along the eastern border from LOC to Siachin and we have active deployment along the western border from Pak Afg to Pak-Iran border. Moreover, in various areas, we are doing counter-terrorism operations and have gained a lot of success in this war against terrorism,” he explained.

Responding to a question regarding the demand of some political parties from the Pakistan army to directly or indirectly play its role in an early election, General Babar said it’s the politicians who have to make the decision about early elections and the Pakistan army has no role in such matters.

“The senior political leadership of Pakistan is mature and credible enough that they can make decisions regarding elections. As I said, whenever Pakistan Army intervenes, the matter becomes controversial.

“It is why Pakistan Army has decided to keep itself distant from political matters. Whenever the political leadership will make any decision, Pakistan Army will play its part” he added.

Regarding the army chief's meetings with politicians, DG ISPR said Pakistan Army never calls any politician for meetings and COAS has already made it clear.

“After several requests from politicians, COAS have to meet them. COAS himself has clarified this before that such meetings are held at request of politicians. For any reason, if a political leader makes a request then COAS have to meet him. Our politicians are responsible for such initiatives.”

About the DG ISI visit to the US, General Babar said he is not aware of such visit, however, DG ISI’s visits are not publicized.

“Meetings or visits are routine matters and they are held in the background. Directly or indirectly, our region is facing numerous security threats. Our intelligence officers hold regular meetings with intelligence officers of other states and we do work on intelligence sharing as well. There is no need to create any confusion. I don’t understand why such matters should be made an issue? Why should we even be talking about this?,” he concluded.