Kayani rules out army’s hand in Balochistan

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Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Monday dispelled the impression of any military action in Balochistan, saying no operation was being conducted in any part of Balochistan. He also said that the army and its subordinate organisations were not involved in the issue of missing persons and recovery of mutilated bodies.
“Army, ISI, MI and any other subordinate institution has noting to do with the matters related to missing persons and mutilated bodies,” he said, adding that the army had not been deployed anywhere in Balochistan. He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremonies of Quetta Institute of Medical Sciences (QIMS) and Garrison Sports Complex, and later talking to journalists in the provincial capital. “Democratic order is in place in the country; therefore, army has no authority to hold direct talks with those putting up resistance in Balochistan and these powers rested with the democratic government only,” he explained.
He went on to say that the people of Balochistan were patriotic. “Balochistan and Pakistan are correlated. A strong and prosperous Balochistan is a guarantor of stable Pakistan,” he added. The COAS noted that the provincial government was responsible for improving law and situation in Balochistan and it could seek help from the FC and other law enforcement agencies to achieve the aim. He said that the army would aid the government whenever it was asked to do so.