4, April 2005	Monday	24 Safar 1426

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LAHORE, April 3: ARD deputy information secretary Munir Ahmed Khan has disputed President Musharraf’s claim that the army is not involved in political matters or that the elected government is running the country.

In a statement here on Sunday, he said 831 officers of the army, navy and the air force were working in federal and provincial departments. Of them 35 were Lt-generals and major-general, seven air marshal/ air vice-marshals, 20 admirals and vice-admirals, 102 brigadiers, 205 colonels, 208 majors and 150 officers of other ranks.

The ARD leader also gave details of the departments where these officials were performing their duties.

The statement said he had got even the names of these officials and would release them to the media at an appropriate time.

The ARD leader said it was not true that the prime minister and the cabinet enjoyed all powers. “The fact is that Gen Musharraf, corps commanders and his nominated people are calling the shots”. He said even the parliament had no power to decide any issue.

The prime minister, he said, had no authority to appoint ministers. He said Gen Musharraf was in uniform but was addressing public meetings arranged by the PML-Q. “Is it not the involvement of politics by the military?”

Munir said in a parliamentary system neither the COAS nor the president were supposed to involve themselves in politics. He said Gen Musharraf’s activities negated the parliamentary system.