Army not plotting against government!

*ISPR DG rejects rumours that army scripted protests against govt

*Gen Bajwa says COAS has clearly stated that Pakistan Army supports constitution, democracy

*Says militant group involved in attack on Malala Yousafzai arrested

*Says army officials are allowed to voice their opinions but army chief’s decision is considered final and troops follow his lead

Regretting rumours being spread about the Pakistan Army being the “scriptwriter” of the protests against an elected government, the military’s media wings Friday categorically stated that the army supports democracy and supremacy of the constitution.

Addressing a media briefing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Asim Bajwa said that the media should reject speculative stories that are against ground realities, adding that such stories do not serve the country.

He said that Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, in his address on Youm-e-Shuhada, had clearly said that the army believes in continuation of democracy in the country.

The ISPR DG said that the army chief acceded to play a facilitative role to end the political deadlock in the greater interest of the country.

“Whenever the political crisis is resolved, it will be resolved by the political parties,” reassured Bajwa, adding that the army has nothing to do with the government’s affairs.

PTV BUILDING WAS NOT UNDER ARMY COVER:

The ISPR DG said that whenever needed, the army gives its input on security issues.

Speaking about security of Islamabad’s Red Zone, Major General Bajwa said the Pakistan Army had been entrusted with the responsibility to protect five buildings, which did not include the Pakistan Television (PTV) Headquarters. However, he added that when protesters stormed the building, the channel’s administration called in the army and the latter responded immediately.

“Rumours should be confirmed before spreading,” Bajwa said. “If there is need for a clarification, the army can be contacted through ISPR and we will respond accordingly.”

The ISPR DG said the army was the third tier of security for the Parliament House building. Army provided security to the parliament and the parliamentary session continued while the protestors were sitting in the lawn, he said, adding that later the army managed to vacate the lawn of the parliament as well.

MALALA’S ATTACKERS ARRESTED:

Gen Bajwa also disclosed that security agencies had been able to track down and arrest a 10-member militant group named “Shura” which was involved in the attack on teen education activist Malala Yousafzai.

“The arrested militants hail from Malakand,” said Bajwa.

He said suspect Israrul Rehman was the first to be arrested, adding that information gathered from Rehman led to the arrests of the other militants.

“The militant group was headed by a furniture shop owner Zafar Iqbal who supports Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah,” said the army spokesman.

During interrogation, the militants admitted that Fazullah had plotted the attack on the naval dockyard in Karachi, Bajwa said, adding that the group had also killed a security guard of Swat College of Science and Technology.

“The militants were planning attacks against 22 more people, including members of Swat Amn Committee,” he said.

Bajwa said that Pakistan was persistently urging Afghanistan to either arrest Fazlullah or eliminate him.

OPERATION ZARB-E-AZB:

Commenting on the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan, Bajwa said that the military offensive was progressing well as over 2,200 intelligence operations have been conducted, 45 “hardcore terrorists” have been killed and 134 others have been arrested so far.

Over 1,000 militants have been killed in North Waziristan, and the updates are released on a daily basis,” Bajwa said in response to a question.

“Terrorist groups who tried to launch attacks at the Quetta Air Base and Quetta Aviation base have also been eliminated,” said the ISPR DG.

Similarly, he said terrorists involved in the attack on Quaid-e-Azam Residency in Ziarat have also been arrested and a group of terrorists staying in a house in Raiwind was also busted. “One terrorist was killed and another was injured. He is currently under treatment and interrogation.”

Hailing the intelligence agencies for foiling the recent naval dockyard attack, Bajwa said that any attempt to carry out terrorist activities would be rebuffed.

He said Zarb-e-Azb is being carried out in two phases, first in the NWA and the other in provinces with the cooperation of provincial governments.

He said that main terrorist command community centers and their main accesses in NWA have been destroyed and the area up to Dattakhel has been cleared.

“As stated by the COAS, the army will go to the remotest areas to eliminate the last terrorist,” he added.

About the internally displaced persons (IDPs), he said they are being looked after well though their management is not the army’s responsibility, adding that damages incurred during the operation would be assessed.

ARMY IS UNITED:

Separately, he said that the army is a united and cohesive organisation, adding that integrity and unity were its biggest assets.

“Everyone is allowed to discuss their opinions in a free and frank manner but the army chief’s decision is considered final and troops follow his lead,” he said.

Regarding retirements in the army, he said promotions, postings and retirement is a routine and takes place every year and everything is on track.