PML-N leader and Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah has demanded a clarification on the remarks made by PML-Q leader Moonis Elahi regarding the alleged involvement of former COAS General (retd) Bajwa in Pakistani involvement.
While talking to the media in Lahore, Rana Sanaullah said Chaudhry Moonis Elahi’s statement regarding General (retd) Bajwa’s advice has raised doubt over the army’s narrative of being “apolitical” and that an explanation should be given.
He said that the former army chief, on the institution’s behalf, maintained a narrative before the nation that it has no links with politics.
Read more: Gen (retd) Bajwa asked us to side with PTI: Moonis Elahi
“Now, Moonis Elahi’s statement has cast doubt over the institution’s narrative so it should be clarified,” Sanaullah said.
The minister further stated that the government and the nation have trust that the commitment the military leadership and institution have made to the nation is “true” and “respectable”.
Moonis Elahi’s remarks on Gen Bajwa
Earlier, Moonis Elahi claimed that General (retd) Bajwa asked PML-Q to back PTI when the controversial no-confidence motion was being tabled against PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
While giving an interview with a private media channel, Moonis Elahi said he is against the approach of criticizing outgoing individuals.
“Certain elements are busy on social media bashing Bajwa Sahib without any reason. This is the same Bajwa who changed the course of rivers for the PTI. Then he [Bajwa] was right, but now he is not. I have a total disagreement with those who are now talking against him,” Moonis Elahi said.
In an apparent bid to further defend the former Army Chief, the PML-Q leader then claimed that they were told by General (retired) Qamar Javed to stand firmly united with PTI during the move to remove the PTI government.
Moonis Elahi said that PML-Q had offers from both PTI and PDM, however, Gen (retd) Bajwa asked them to support the Imran Khan-led party.
Dear Reema! Moonis Elahi just admitted that they hv been asked to side with a political party, exactly how political manoeuvring is carried out & thats definitely not neutrality – proves Imran Khan’s point – this one min clip also defines what Khan means by “Haqeeqi Azadi” https://t.co/4btrAlCzDG
— Shiffa Z. Yousafzai (@Shiffa_ZY) December 1, 2022
Pertinent to mention that Pakistan’s Army has time and time again stated that it has nothing to do with politics. Meanwhile, General (retd) Bajwa also said that the Army will remain apolitical.
Read more: General Bajwa reaffirms Army’s apolitical role in farewell address