Army to follow govt advice in Asghar Khan case

The Pakistan Army is ready to take whatever action the government will recommend against former servicemen involved in the Asghar Khan case in light of the apex court verdict. According to the well-placed sources, the army top brass is convinced to take what could be described as purging measures after the confessional affidavits submitted by the force’s former leaders and the court’s verdict thereon. Therefore, the incumbent leadership of the force looks up to the government for any remedial measures, if required, in the backdrop of court’s order.
The Supreme Court in its short order in the Asghar Khan case has asked the government to move against culprits who bribed politicians before the 1990 general election, the sources added. They were of the view that the troika was most likely to convene over the issue soon as demanded the gravity of the situation. “The government is probably waiting for the detailed judgement to be issued before any final movement in light of the short order,” the sources added. Relevant portion of the court’s short order in the Asghar Khan case reads, “Late Ghulam Ishaq Khan, the then president, Gen (r) Aslam Beg and General (r) Asad Durrani acted in violation of the constitution by facilitating a group of politicians and political parties, etc, to ensure their success against the rival candidates in the general election of 1990, for which they secured funds from Younas Habib. Their acts have brought a bad name to Pakistan and its armed forces as well as secret agencies in the eyes of the nation, therefore, notwithstanding that they may have retired from service, the federal government shall take necessary steps under the constitution and law against them.”