Summary He admitted that there shouldn't be any unnecessary criticism against the armed forces.
LAHORE (Dunya News) -- Federal Railway Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique said on Sunday that the nation would disapprove if army derailed from its constitutional mandate
“Army’s professional and legal role is acceptable. But the nation will condemn whenever there is any unconstitutional move,” he said.
He reiterated that army’s unconstitutional role will be condemned every time.
Rafique, however, agreed that there shouldn’t be any unnecessary criticism against armed forces and judiciary.
“Judiciary delivers justice while army ensures our security,” he said, adding that armed forces and judiciary are sensitive institutions.
He said that armed forces of Pakistan were in a war with terrorists.
It merits mentioning here that Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that Taliban prisoners released by the government were in fact in army’s custody, adding that how government could release the prisoners without army’s consent.
He said that Professor Ajmal, Ali Haider Gilani and Shahbaz Taseer were abducted for ransom, adding that negotiation process can progress only if Taliban also release non-combatant prisoners, Dunya News reported.
He said that government’s agenda is to establish peace, rule of law and supremacy of constitution in the country, adding that the rulers are answerable to the constitution. He said that the third phase of Taliban negotiations is underway through the new committee and that the new date for meeting with Taliban will soon be decided.
Addressing press conference, he said that negotiating with Taliban is crucial and sensitive matter and that there’s no dispute between government and army over this matter.
He said that the government and army are advancing the negotiation process together. He said there’s no pause in the process and that he would report to the media by himself if there was.
Chaudhry Nisar said how is it possible to release Taliban prisoners without consulting the army, adding that the prisoners that government freed were in custody of the army.
He revealed that many of Taliban’s militant prisoners are still in army’s custody. He said that Taliban never demanded the release of militant prisoners, nor can the government free them without consulting with army.
