ISLAMABAD, Feb 7: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said the army will have no role in the electoral process except maintaining law and order.

Presiding over the 106th Corps Commanders’ Conference here on Thursday, he emphasised that holding free and fair elections was the sole responsibility of the Election Commission.

“The army will meet only its constitutional obligations and help the civil administration maintain law and order, as and when required,” he said.

According to an official press release, he approved a policy about ‘de-induction’ of serving officers seconded to civil departments. The number of serving officers, whose services are essentially required by the government in these departments, will be at bare minimum and others will be reverted soon.

The participants were given a comprehensive briefing on security environment.

Gen Kayani dilated on the evolving geo-political dynamics and stressed the need to synergize the effort of the nation and the army to ensure peace and stability. He said the army would live up to expectations of the nation.

Gen Kayani praised the sacrifices and spirit of all officers, junior commissioned officers and jawans in the ongoing operations.

He also appreciated the leadership of officers in particular, who were leading from the front as per the true tradition of Pakistan Army.

Having declared the Year 2008 as the “Year of the Soldier”, he approved a package of Rs10 billion for improving the quality of life of soldiers and young officers.