RAWALPINDI – Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday cautioned India against destabilising Pakistan, clarified the Bajwa doctrine as well as the military’s role in the upcoming elections.
“Pakistan’s role for bringing peace in the region must be looked at positively,” the DG ISPR said during his routine media briefing at army’s general headquarters in Rawalpindi.
He said if Pakistan hadn’t played a positive role in the World, the United States wouldn’t have become the sole Super Power, adding an unstable Pakistan wasn’t even in India’s interest. India would also have found itself engulfed in danger if Pakistan hadn’t carried out anti-terror actions.
Major General Asif Ghafoor said if Pakistan was looked at with suspicious eyes, it would undermine its anti-terrorism endeavours.
Bajwa Doctrine
In reply to a question, he said ‘Bajwa Doctrine’ was only related to Pakistan security, and it had nothing to do with the 18th amendment and the judiciary. He said ‘Bajwa Doctrine’ was only meant to ensure peace across the Country, without having any political misadventure.
Major General Asif Ghafoor said the time frame of general elections was enshrined in the Constitution. He said it was the Election Commission – not the Army Chief – which had to announce the elections date. He said every person had the responsibility under the ambit of the Constitution to ensure peaceful conduct of elections.
‘Army has nothing to do with NRO’
Major General Ghafoor also clarified, “Army has nothing to do with the NRO. Things are moving according to a system.”
“As I have discussed with you, speculations are made when discussions are held. The army’s point of view (however) is disseminated through either the DG ISPR or talks held by the army chief and there is an official press release for it,” he stressed.
“The Pakistan army is a very organised institution and we will communicate any discussion to you through the official channel,” Major General Ghafoor said.
On Tuesday, Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor had interacted with journalists in Karachi. He briefed the media personnel over ongoing operations in the city and had a detailed conversation about its security situation.
PSL and March 23 parade
The DG ISPR said successful holding of Pakistan Super League (PSL) was a positive sign while March 23rd Parade was held in a great manner. He said the entire nation showed unity on Pakistan Day.
CPEC
The DG ISPR said they wanted to make China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) successful at all costs as it would prove to be immensely beneficial for the entire region.
“Pakistan has geographic relevance. CPEC is vital for regional progress. We paid a heavy price to gain peace and stability,” the DG ISPR said.
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
While briefing the media about the Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, he said the anti-terrorism Operation had completed one year, and during which 26 major Operations were conducted, seven major terrorist organizations were eliminated, and 16 suicide bombers – all Afghans- were arrested.
Shedding light on the outcomes of anti-terrorism operations, he said, “Twenty six major operations, 23,318 IBOs, 7,738 check-posts and over 23,000 weapons were recovered as part of Raddul Fasaad.”
Appreciating the role of intelligence agencies in foiling the designs of enemies, he said the security agencies played a lead role in the war on terror and busted seven big networks of terrorists besides arresting 16 would be suicide bombers. Besides, eleven cases were solved and 572 terrorist incidents were averted while 946 threat warnings were issued.
“We are successful today due to struggles of intelligence agencies like ISI, Military Intelligence and Intelligence Bureau among others. We should be proud of them,” he added.
Relations with Saudi Arabia
The DG ISPR further said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had a bilateral security agreement for forces training since 1982. He said Pakistan forces would visit Saudi Arabia under the 1982 bilateral agreement for training and advice mission. He said Pakistan had signed agreements with other Gulf Countries as well.
Pak-US relations
The DG ISPR denied that there is a deadlock in talks with the US, saying: “There is no stalemate in talks with US. Action on our concerns has begun, whereas action against certain sanctuaries in Afghanistan is also being taken. According to us, there are no sanctuaries in Pakistan.
LoC
With regard to ceasefire violations from across the eastern border, he said Indian forces had committed 948 ceasefire violations at the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary in 2018. He said India must demonstrate a mature and responsible behaviour, and restraint from escalating tensions at the borders.
Peace in Karahi
Maj. Gen. Asif Ghafoor said the law and order situation in Karachi had improved drastically as in 2013 there were 70 no-go areas in the Metropolitan City but now not a signal no-go area existed there and people were free to roam around in the City.
Likewise, he added, last year 386 political activities took place in Karachi without turning into a riot or violent protest. He said shutter down strikes – which once had become a routine matter in Karachi – was now hardly called for.
