Monday, May 18, 2009

Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Rejects Propaganda Against Pakistan Army

Reacting to comments from various quarters on the ability of the troops to handle low-intensity conflict (LIC) and the reported need for army men to be moved away from the country’s eastern borders and near the western frontier, he said the army had developed a full range of counter-insurgency training facilities tailored to train troops for anti-terrorism operations. In a statement released here by the army spokesman Gen. Kayani said that the Pakistan Army generally didn’t need foreign training, except in the case of some specialised weapons and equipment. Owing to its vast experience, the army was suited to operate in Pakistani territories. He said uncalled for aspersions from various quarters on the army’s training methods and orientation were apparently due to lack of knowledge and understanding of its training system. He reaffirmed that strategic decisions regarding where, when and how many troops should be deployed were for Pakistanis to make, based on objective analysis and full understanding of the threat spectrum. The decisions were made in accordance with national interests by the leadership, keeping in view the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. “Any outside advice or subjective comments towards this end are counter-productive and divisive in effect, rather than being helpful,” he remarked.

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