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Pakistan army needs people's support: Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: Asserting that the will of the people is "decisive", Pakistan's new Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani on Wednesday said harmony between socio-political and military strategies will usher in long-term peace and stability in the country, which is going to polls next month.
In his first public comments on the country's political scenario since he took over from President Pervez Musharraf last month, Kiyani told military officers at Kharian Garrison in Punjab province that popular support for the army is "critical".
"It was the harmonisation of the socio-political, administrative and military strategies that would usher in an environment of peace and stability in the long term," he said addressing the officers during a visit to the garrison.
"Ultimately, it is the will of the people and their support that is decisive. It is critical that the Pakistan Army's efforts are backed by the nation," Kiyani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
His comments assume significance as they come ahead of the general election, which President Pervez Musharraf vowed to hold on January 8.
Kiyani said the nation held the army in "high esteem" and this "national support was crucial to synergise national effort".
He accompanied Musharraf on Wednesday to Kharian cantonment, where the President paid a visit to the 44 Self Propelled Regiment of the Artillery.
The army statement said Lt Gen Sajjad Akram, the commander of Mangla Corps, was present during Kiyani's address. It was not immediately clear whether Musharraf was present during Kiyani's speech.
ISLAMABAD: Asserting that the will of the people is "decisive", Pakistan's new Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani on Wednesday said harmony between socio-political and military strategies will usher in long-term peace and stability in the country, which is going to polls next month.
In his first public comments on the country's political scenario since he took over from President Pervez Musharraf last month, Kiyani told military officers at Kharian Garrison in Punjab province that popular support for the army is "critical".
"It was the harmonisation of the socio-political, administrative and military strategies that would usher in an environment of peace and stability in the long term," he said addressing the officers during a visit to the garrison.
"Ultimately, it is the will of the people and their support that is decisive. It is critical that the Pakistan Army's efforts are backed by the nation," Kiyani was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.
His comments assume significance as they come ahead of the general election, which President Pervez Musharraf vowed to hold on January 8.
Kiyani said the nation held the army in "high esteem" and this "national support was crucial to synergise national effort".
He accompanied Musharraf on Wednesday to Kharian cantonment, where the President paid a visit to the 44 Self Propelled Regiment of the Artillery.
The army statement said Lt Gen Sajjad Akram, the commander of Mangla Corps, was present during Kiyani's address. It was not immediately clear whether Musharraf was present during Kiyani's speech.
