In an unprecedented move, the ISI chief made an appearance in today’s press conference the first time in Pakistan’s history.
\n“I am aware that you are surprised by my presence,” he said, adding that he had appeared for his institution and the officers who were sacrificing their lives. “As chief of this agency, I cannot remain silent when they are targeted for no reason.”\u00a0Lt Gen Anjum added.
\nLt Gen Anjum said the nation had given him the responsibility to take secrets to the grave. “But when needed and when necessary, I will bring those facts to light”.
\nTalking about the officers martyred in Lasbela, he said that they were mocked. Therefore, it is highly condemnable to speak without proof, he said, adding that words like “neutral and janwar” were meant to illustrate that the institution was indulging in sedition.
\nHe added that these words were also being used because the institution refused to bend to an “unconstitutional and illegal act”.
\n“Last year, the establishment decided that it would restrict itself to its constitutional role […] The army had an intense discussion and we reached the conclusion that the country’s benefit lies in us restricting ourselves to our constitutional role and remaining out of politics.”
\nHe said that in March, there was “a lot of pressure” but the institution and the army chief decided to limit the military to its constitutional role.
\nIf Gen Bajwa wanted, he could have spent the last few months of his tenure comfortably but he made sacrificed in the country’s best interest, he said, adding that the army chief’s family was also targeted.
\nLt Gen Anjum also made the revelation that in March, Gen Bajwa was given a “lucrative offer” for an extension in his tenure. “It was made in front of me. He rejected it because he wanted the institution to move forward from a controversial role to a constitutional role.”
\nSeemingly talking about former premier Imran, the ISI chief said that while citizens had the right to their opinion, why did “you praise him so much in the past if he was a traitor?”
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