LAHORE: Minister for Railways Khawaja Saad Rafique on Thursday said his statement regarding the army earlier was presented out of context by certain media channels.
The senior PML-N leader’s statement comes after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor termed the federal minister’s statement regarding the army “irresponsible”.
“The statement is very irresponsible and unwarranted as you are targeting the chain of command and the subordination system of the Pakistan Army,” said the military spokesperson at a press conference earlier in the day.
Speaking in a talk show, the railway minister expressed his shock and said his intentions were known to the people and added that state institutions needed to move forward in a united manner.
Reiterating that his remarks were taken out of context by certain media channels, the minister praised the ISPR DG and said he was sure his intentions were known to the officer.
He further said that he could only express sadness at what had transpired and his remarks should not be construed as creating division.
“Please do not doubt my intentions,” said Rafique, and added that issues should be resolved by working together, otherwise the enemies of the country would benefit.
Saad Rafique also said earlier in the day that the ISPR DG was a sincere individual and he was saddened by Gen Ghafoor’s statement, and added that he plays a silent role for cohesiveness among state institutions.
He further stated that it was not appropriate that out of a 27-minute-long speech only a few words were picked and played up, and that he had never adopted an irresponsible or unconstitutional stance.
The railways minister also said that he had never targeted the subordinate system and could neither think of doing so.
If we have complaints, we either absorb them or discreetly inform the relevant authority, said Saad Rafique.
Elaborating further, the PML-N leader said those creating misunderstandings between state institutions were doing a disservice to the nation.
The military spokesperson had added earlier that the army was a very disciplined and organized institution and “if this discipline and subordination is not present in the Army, it would not be the best in the world”.
“Pakistan Army is an institution which takes pride in its institutional mechanism.”
“If the Army is determined and confident to stay within the bounds of the Constitution, it is the responsibility of every citizen to respect the law and the Constitution and stay within its bounds.”
On December 24, Rafique had praised the army chief for briefing the Senate and had said it was a confidence-boosting move for everyone while addressing a ceremony marking his father’s anniversary.
The minister had said that there was no difference in the narrative and added that the army chief had talked in favour of democratic norms and continuity.
However, the minister had said others should also support the army chief’s stance on whom “his command is applied to”. “They should also follow that order,” said Rafique and added that those who do mischief should also support the army chief.
Published in Daily Times, December 29th 2017.