Opposition leader welcomes general’s decision

Published October 7, 2013
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said: “Gen Kayani’s decision not to stay on as army chief any longer would go a long way in establishing a remarkable example in armed forces institutions. — Photo by APP
Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah said: “Gen Kayani’s decision not to stay on as army chief any longer would go a long way in establishing a remarkable example in armed forces institutions. — Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Syed Khurshid Shah has welcomed Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s decision to retire by the end of next month.

In a statement issued here on Sunday, he said the decision would set a good example for military leaders.

He said: “Gen Kayani’s decision not to stay on as army chief any longer would go a long way in establishing a remarkable example in armed forces institutions.

Mr Shah said that after the landmark democratic transition of power, it was another meritorious step to set good values and strengthen the institutions in the country.

“This has not only brought the speculations to an end on the matter of extension, but also made it easy for decision-makers to take a right step as per laid down criteria and that is none other than preferring merit,” he said.

Mr Shah praised Gen Kayani’s services both for the country and democracy at a very critical juncture. “His measures to distance military from politics and play his role remaining within the dictates of constitution are very laudable,” he added.

“Gen Kayani’s honesty of purpose reflects in his statement and we hope that the coming chief of army staff will follow the steps Gen Kiani has taken to safeguard the country and strengthen the democratic institutions in Pakistan because the future of the country is in respecting the will of the people and that is democracy,” the opposition leader said.

Opinion

Editorial

Smog hazard
Updated 05 Nov, 2024

Smog hazard

The catastrophe unfolding in Lahore is a product of authorities’ repeated failure to recognise environmental impact of rapid urbanisation.
Monetary policy
05 Nov, 2024

Monetary policy

IN an aggressive move, the State Bank on Monday reduced its key policy rate by a hefty 250bps to 15pc. This is the...
Cultural power
05 Nov, 2024

Cultural power

AS vital modes of communication, art and culture have the power to overcome social and international barriers....
Disregarding CCI
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Disregarding CCI

The failure to regularly convene CCI meetings means that the process of democratic decision-making is falling apart.
Defeating TB
04 Nov, 2024

Defeating TB

CONSIDERING the fact that Pakistan has the fifth highest burden of tuberculosis in the world as per the World Health...
Ceasefire charade
Updated 04 Nov, 2024

Ceasefire charade

The US talks of peace, while simultaneously arming and funding their Israeli allies, are doomed to fail, and are little more than a charade.