Apropos Strategic Affairs Editor Daily Times Imtiaz Gul’s story on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s press talk, journalists and analysts have took to Twitter to have their say on the chief’s remarks.
According to Imtiaz Gul’s story, the COAS voiced his opinion on various issues concerning the country. Gen Bajwa remarked that Pakistan would have to eliminate extremist elements from the country if it is to be recognised by the international community as a normal state.
The army chief further said that the ongoing socio-political and economic crisis (also) stems from willful deviation from law by civilian and military elites, which he remarked, should stop if we want to see Pakistan survive and prosper as a self-respecting nation.
He added that subversion of the Supreme Court’s (SC) decisions will not be allowed and that ‘the country will descend into chaos if we let the Supreme Court be humiliated by those who don’t like its decisions.’
Gen Bajwa also stressed that he is a supporter of democracy, adding that “I saved democracy in this country, I am the biggest supporter of democracy.”
COAS also expressed his views on several topics including the 18th amendment of the constitution, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Altaf Hussain and National Action Plan among others.
Read full story: New battle lines: Army will stand by judiciary if needed
Twitterati react to COAS’ statements
Analysts, journalists and users on Twitter have voiced their opinions over COAS’ latest remarks – most of whom have been critical of Gen Bajwa’s stance over several issues mentioned in Gul’s story.
Al Jazeera Web Correspondent Asad Hashim, in response to Gen Bajwa’s statement that he ‘saved democracy’, questioned that ‘who did the army chief save democracy from?’
"I saved democracy in this country, I am the biggest supporter of democracy," says Army Chief Bajwa. From who, exactly, General? https://t.co/XzJEvD3fxx
— Asad Hashim (@AsadHashim) March 11, 2018
In response to COAS’ comments regarding the 18th amendment among other issues, senior columnist Gul Bukhari inquired whether Defence Minister Khurram Dastagir ‘would summon Gen Bajwa’ over his remarks.
Army chief wants parliament to review 18th amendment? Says Dar was a disaster? Blames FATF on govt? Failure of NAP on govt? Signals siding with judiciary?
Will the defence minister summon him? @KhurramDastgir https://t.co/rp8kzRZsMk
— Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) March 11, 2018
Columnist Ammar Rashid, also referring to COAS’ 18th amendment comments said that ‘I’m afraid you don’t get to decide (or comment on) these things, Chief.’
Among other things, the COAS just said the Parliament needs to review the 18th Amendment, the cornerstone of Pakistani federalism, passed with unanimous democratic consensus. I'm afraid you don't get to decide (or comment on) these things, Chief.https://t.co/atEuGAr62e
— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) March 11, 2018
Twitter user Liaquat Hussain said that if ‘content of this (Imtiaz Gul’s) article holds truth’, it is blatant overstepping of constitution.
https://twitter.com/Liaqyat/status/972741506619576320
Senior analyst Muhammad Ali Talpur quoted Joseph Stalin while responding to COAS’ comments that the Army will support judiciary if needed.
#Army and #Judiciary
"New battle lines: Army will stand by judiciary if needed." says @vogul1960 "How many Tanks does the Pope have" #Stalin had asked.
The #SupremeCourt now has Plenty. pic.twitter.com/WW3DyVoYPN— Mohammad Ali Talpur (@mmatalpur) March 11, 2018