|
Future of Pakistan hinges on fair elections: Kayani
[Pak Daily Times] Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani... four star general, current Chief of Army Staff of the Mighty Pak Army. Kayani is the former Director General of ISI... said on Tuesday that general elections would be held in the country on May 11 and emphasised that the future of the country depends on their fair conduct. "We must not harbour any suspicions or misgivings about it," he said while addressing the participants of the "Yaum-e-Shuhada" (Martyrs Day) ceremony at the GHQ. He said this indeed was a golden opportunity, which could usher in an era of true democratic values in the country. The COAS said that in his opinion, it is not merely retribution but awareness and participation of the masses that can truly end this "game of hide and seek between democracy and dictatorship". "If we succeed in rising above all ethnic, linguistic and sectarian biases to vote solely on the basis of honesty, sincerity, merit and competence, there would be no reason to fear dictatorship or to grudge the inadequacies of our present democratic system," he added. Gen Kayani said that the nation's salvation resides in transforming the government into a true platform of public representation. "This would come to pass once the construct of public representation in Pakistain is oriented towards affording primacy and precedence to larger public interest over personal interests." "Otherwise, may it be democracy or dictatorship; governance would continue to remain a means of self aggrandisement and that of plundering national wealth and resources," he added. He assured that armed forces stand committed to wholeheartedly assist and support in the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections, to the best of their capabilities and remaining within the confines of the constitution. He also assured that this support shall solely be aimed at strengthening democracy and rule of law in the country. Posted by: Fred 2013-05-01 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=367287 |