ISLAMABAD: Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir said on Thursday that the military was “well aware” of its “constitutional limits” and that it “expects others to prioritise adherence to the constitution as well”, a statement seen by observers as a veiled warning to opponents and critics.
The military’s blatant interference in the civilian domain has been a contentious issue in Pakistan and public disapproval of its role in politics has grown since jailed former prime minister Imran Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.The military, according to observers, believes it is central to Pakistan’s existence and remains the most dominant institution of the state, with influence across non-military spheres, thanks in large part to its years of direct rule.
Gen Munir was quoted as talking about constitutional limits at a passing out parade at the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He said that Article 19 of Pakistan’s constitution clearly defines the limits on freedom of speech and expression of opinion. “Those who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the constitution cannot point fingers at others,” he asserted.
At a separate event on Thursday, Gen Munir emphasised that negative propaganda and social media trolls could not distract the nation from working for development and prosperity people. He warned that no attempt to create instability would be tolerated.
“Let us all reject negative forces (a reference to critical voices) together and focus on Pakistan’s journey of development and stability,” he said.
The Pakistan Supreme Court is currently hearing a case involving accusations levelled by six out of eight Islamabad high court judges of intimidation and interference by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an organ of the army.
The judges provided various examples of alleged interference, including a case concerning Imran Khan, and mentioned incidents where they said their relatives were abducted and tortured, and their homes secretly surveilled to coerce them into delivering favourable judgments.
The military’s blatant interference in the civilian domain has been a contentious issue in Pakistan and public disapproval of its role in politics has grown since jailed former prime minister Imran Khan was removed from office through a no-confidence vote in April 2022.The military, according to observers, believes it is central to Pakistan’s existence and remains the most dominant institution of the state, with influence across non-military spheres, thanks in large part to its years of direct rule.
Gen Munir was quoted as talking about constitutional limits at a passing out parade at the Pakistan Air Force Academy in Risalpur, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
He said that Article 19 of Pakistan’s constitution clearly defines the limits on freedom of speech and expression of opinion. “Those who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the constitution cannot point fingers at others,” he asserted.
At a separate event on Thursday, Gen Munir emphasised that negative propaganda and social media trolls could not distract the nation from working for development and prosperity people. He warned that no attempt to create instability would be tolerated.
“Let us all reject negative forces (a reference to critical voices) together and focus on Pakistan’s journey of development and stability,” he said.
The Pakistan Supreme Court is currently hearing a case involving accusations levelled by six out of eight Islamabad high court judges of intimidation and interference by Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), an organ of the army.
The judges provided various examples of alleged interference, including a case concerning Imran Khan, and mentioned incidents where they said their relatives were abducted and tortured, and their homes secretly surveilled to coerce them into delivering favourable judgments.
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