PM Claps Back at Army and ISI Chief Critics

On Sunday, Prime Minister Imran Khan made it clear that he fully supports Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, the army chief, and Gen Faiz Hameed, the man who heads the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). 

This happened when the premier was addressing the public during his recent visit to Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B). He had been visiting the region on its 73rd Independence Day and paid tribute to the various Gilgit Scouts and others who had laid their lives on the line to drive out the Dogras on the 1st of November, 1947. 

The support of the Prime Minister for DG ISI and chief of army staff apparently came as a response to a speech made by the MNA of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Ayaz Sadiq. In his speech at the National Assembly, the MNA had insinuated that the only reason why Pakistan handed back Abinandan Vartaman, an Indian Pilot, is because they were afraid of being attacked. 

Imran Khan referred to the speech by thanking God and saying that if the opposition believes it was the wrong decision, then perhaps returning the Indian Pilot had been a wise move. He added that he must have taken a step in the right direction if ‘thieves’ were criticizing DG ISI and chief of army staff. 

The Prime Minister compared Sadiq’s comments to the traitorous acts committed by Mir Jaffer and Mir Sadiq. He said that it was traitors like these who weakened the position of Muslim rules in the region. In his opinion, Muslim leaders were fit to respond appropriately to any and all challenges that were thrown their way. 

The leader believes that the opposition is talking against the chief of army staff and DG ISI and damaging the reputation of the state. He went on to say that the MNA is only bitter because members of his party were not given an NRO on their massive corruption. 

The premier continued to refer to the matter and added that from now on, his utmost focus will be on ensuring that the law is upheld in the country. However, he assured that he will not deviate from his plan to improve the economy, which in his opinion, is moving in the right direction. 

Khan added that he will make sure that everyone who is trying to blackmail him is unable to escape from the hands of the law. He made sure to add that now the public will witness whose forehead sweats and whose legs shiver. 

While in Gilgit-Baltistan, the prime minister also paid homage to all the martyrs and Gilgit Scouts who had sacrificed their lives 73 years ago in order to gain freedom. 

He also gave the good news to the people of the region and stated that it was being granted provincial status. Khan said that the UN Security Council resolutions believe that this is a step in the right direction for G-B. 

Elections for the government of the region are going to be held on the 15th of November. The premier assured that Federal had devised a policy for Gilgit-Baltistan that will uplift underdeveloped areas and lower economic classes as well.