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Pakistan Army ready for Karachi peace role: chief

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug.21,IRNA -- Pakistan army chief, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the port city of Karachi and said the Army was ready to restore peace to the mega city if asked by the government.

The statement of General Kayani came as nearly 80 people lost lives in Karachi in target and ethnic killings in a week. It is the second time the army at highest level has shown concern over the fast growing violence in Karcahi.

General Kayani talking to The News daily exclusively said Karachi is the jugular vein of the country’s economy and it will be a great injustice if the deteriorating law and order situation there is allowed to continue for a longer period.

Asked whether the Army intended to intervene in the matter itself, the Army chief said it was impossible adding there were central and provincial governments both of whom were hectically engaged over the issue. General Kayani said it was very regrettable that innocent people were being killed in Karachi.

He parried a question on whether the government had made any contact with him for calling out the Army in Karachi.

To another question, he, however, said that by utilising the services of the paramilitary Rangers and police in an effective manner in the industrial hub of the country, the situation could be brought under control. He said it was wrong to undermine the ability of the Rangers.

To a question about the lack of US appreciation of the role of the Pakistan armed forces in combating terrorism, the Chief of Army Staff said, “We should not look for appreciation from another country. The world knows well that the Pakistan armed forces are fighting this war against terror.”

He pointed out that in any international context, the Pakistan Army beats others in demonstrating its all round skills. He said he told an American general about the capability and capacity of the Pakistan armed forces and he too acknowledged it.

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Islamic Republic News Agency/IRNA NewsCode: 30529313