Nisar cautions ex-officials to be careful in issuing statements

Published July 2, 2014
Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. – File Photo
Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan. – File Photo

ISLAMABAD: In an apparent reaction to a former Army spokesperson’s remarks, regarding Gen (retd) Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s reluctance in launching a military offensive in North Waziristan in 2010, Federal Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan on Wednesday reprimanded the retired officials to be careful in issuing statements, DawnNews reported.

In an interview to BBC Urdu on Monday, former DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj Gen (retd) Athar Abbas had said that the military leadership of the country was in favour of launching the offensive in 2010, however, it could not due to the indecision of Gen Kayani.

In a statement issued here today, Chaudhry Nisar advised those who have been a part of important national decisions to be ‘reticent.’

“Being tactful and strategic is better for the nation and the country,” he added.


Also read: Kayani feared religious right’s backlash against him: Athar Abbas


Terming ‘confidentiality’ as essential for the development of the nation, the minister cautioned former military officials saying in this media age, a ‘little slip of tongue’ can cause havoc.

Chaudhry Nisar emphasised that unity was vital for Pakistan at this critical juncture. He also cautioned the media to avoid making the issue a point of contention.

Meanwhile, Maj Gen (retd) Athar Abbas said that his statement regarding the military operation was given in response to a question.

Speaking at a seminar organised by South Asian Free Media Association (Safma), he said that a huge number of militant casualties should not be expected out of the Zarb-i-Azb operation. He expressed optimism that all big cities of the country would be ‘cleared’ in a month.

Opinion

Broken promises

Broken promises

Perhaps the biggest impediment to the successful mainstreaming of ex-Fata and its development has been the lack of funding.

Editorial

Wake-up call
Updated 09 Nov, 2024

Wake-up call

Pakistan must heed UN's wake-up call and bring its laws and practices in line with its international human rights obligations.
Foreign banks’ exit
09 Nov, 2024

Foreign banks’ exit

WHY are foreign banks leaving Pakistan? In the last couple of decades, we have seen a number of global banking...
Kurram protest
09 Nov, 2024

Kurram protest

FED up with the state’s apathy towards their plight, the people of Kurram tribal district took to the streets on...
IHK resolution
Updated 08 Nov, 2024

IHK resolution

If the BJP administration were to listen to Kashmiris, it could pave the way for the resumption of the political process in IHK.
Climate realities
08 Nov, 2024

Climate realities

THE Air Quality Index in Lahore once again shot past the 1,000-level mark on Wednesday morning, registering at an...
Rule by fear
08 Nov, 2024

Rule by fear

THE abduction of an opposition MNA, as claimed by PTI, is yet another grim episode in Pakistan’s ongoing crisis of...