Director-General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Babar Iftikhar’s presser on Thursday is being appreciated by the Opposition after weeks of political drama.
Reacting to DG ISPR declaring that the word “conspiracy” had not been used in the statement issued after the March 31 meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari termed the news conference of the military spokesman a “breath of fresh air for democracy”.
“It is [the] responsibility not only of every institution but every Pakistani to support democracy, constitution, and rule of law,” tweeted Bilawal.
“Parliament , Judiciary & establishment transition from controversial to constitutional roles will not be easy. The answer to all of Pakistans problems is democracy, democracy and more democracy. If we continue on this path no power on earth can stop Pakistan’s progress,” said Bilawal.
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted, “It is time to make you accountable for your condemnable efforts […] to play with the national security in a bid to save [your] regime.”
“Face accountability, do not run away like always because this nation won’t let you this time,” said Maryam. Her words were directed at former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan.
“You played a dangerous game to cling to power and used the NSC forum for your conspiracy plot. You built a fake narrative of absolutely not for the bases that were never demanded. You begged the establishment for an NRO and lied that they gave you those options,” tweeted Maryam.
Addressing a press conference on the recently held 79th Formation Commanders’ Conference, the DG ISPR said he cannot discuss what was discussed in the NSC meeting, but noted that the word “conspiracy” was not used.
DG ISPR said that the establishment did not put forth options before Khan. He, however, said that during the deadlock, Prime Minister’s Office contacted the military leadership to resolve the matter.
“The political parties were not ready for talks with each other to end the deadlock at that time,” he said. “The army chief and DG ISI visited the PM’s Office at their request to play the role of mediator.”
