ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif commended Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief’s move to tender an apology over his remarks against the army and state institutions and went on to say that matters pertaining to national interest are sensitive in nature and special care should be taken in this regard.
“One should think twice before passing on any comment about such sensitive matter,” said Nawaz while reacting to Altaf Hussain’s statement.
“Such irresponsible statements not only tarnish the image of national institutions, but also hurt sentiments of the general public,” he added.
The premier said that it is the government’s obligation to safeguard army’s integrity, as the institution is responsible for the state’s defence and security.
Nawaz further asserted that media should also abide by the code of conduct set for them. “Media houses should ensure that irresponsible statements made against national interest should not be broadcasted at any cost in future,” he said.
Earlier, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chief Imran Khan had questioned Nawaz Sharif’s silence over Altaf Hussain’s controversial statement against the military leadership.
Know more: Altaf's remarks on army to be legally pursued: ISPR
Director-General Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major-General Asim Bajwa had on Friday condemned the statements made by MQM chief Altaf Hussain in relation to the army, saying the matter would be pursued legally.
It is pertinent to mention that hours after a strong reaction from the army, the MQM chief apologised to “national security institutions” and “all patriots” for his remarks about the 1971 war and the call to India’s intelligence agency for help. He said he wanted to clarify that remarks seeking assistance from India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) had been made just “satirically”.
Hussain was also all praise for the armed forces and said he had always had respect for the Pakistan Army.
The latest chain of statements began on Thursday when SSP Malir Rao Anwar made startling claims that two suspects that he had arrested – Tahir alias Lamba and Mama Junaid – belonged to the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and had been sent to India for anti-state training in the past.
