General Qamar Javed Bajwa seconds the decision taken by the army to become apolitical in an interview with Gulf News. General Bajwa, without mentioning any political party, stated that the army had taken the initiative to remain apolitical due to false narratives and mass propaganda.
Although the decision has been criticized by many, the outgoing army chief emphasized that restricting the armed forces to their mandatory constitutional role reinvigorates and strengthens the democratic culture of the state. This will allow the state organs to effectively perform and deliver. Moreover, the decision will help improve the army’s prestige in the long run.
General Bajwa stated that he feels it is necessary to shield the Pakistan army from the whimsies of politics in Pakistan. He further added that the public ceases to support the military when they see them involved in politics. It is therefore better for the military force to refrain from being involved in the political affairs of the country.