ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has urged the newly enlisted army officers to abide by their oath of service — pledging to protect the Constitution — even when that’s hard to do.

“The profession of arms that you are now beholden to demands by its very nature the unquestioned spirit of allegiance and sacrifice embodied in the oath you have all taken today,” he said in an address at the passing out parade of the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, on Saturday.

The army officers’ oath calls for allegiance to Pakistan, upholding the Constitution and not getting involved in politics, in addition to serving the country in accordance with law.

Mr Sharif’s remarks assume special significance as they come against the backdrop of the trial of retired Gen Pervez Musharraf on charges of high treason for imposing an emergency on Nov 3, 2007, deposing the higher judiciary and suspending fundamental rights.

The prime minister’s participation in the passing out parade as a ‘parade reviewing dignitary’ was also important in the context that it marked the easing of recent strains in civil-military relations that started with the trial of Mr Musharraf and intensified due to statements by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and some other cabinet members.

The defence minister, in a statement a day earlier, reaffirmed his deep respect for the army and blamed media for promoting an incorrect impression of him being disrespectful to the institution.

Mr Sharif cautioned the new officers about the challenges that could test their character and asked them to adhere to the values they imbibe while at the premier training institute.

“Let these yardsticks endure and have a ring of permanence about them. Let them be your guide and mentor,” Mr Sharif said and added “during all such tests and temptations, do not forget that your nation reposes enormous trust in you. It trusts you and admires you”.

Assuring the officers of public support for their institution, he said, “don’t you ever forget, your nation will stand united behind you”.

The prime minister had words of admiration for Army Chief General Raheel Sharif, saying he was a role model for young officers because of his professionalism, patriotism, dedication and commitment to their motherland.

He called for modernisation of the army and pledged to resource the defence requirements.