Pakistan army chief has pledged continued support for the country's democratic process, an army statement said on Friday.
"The army is fully cognizant of its constitutional obligations and responsibilities", army chief Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani said during a visit to the forward posts in Mohmand and Kurram tribal regions Thursday, Xinhua reported.
The remarks came a day after Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said that conspiracies are being hatched against his government. The prime minister did not single out anyone but said that his government would not allow any institution to set up state within his state.
Kayani dispelled speculations of any military takeover saying that these were misleading and were being used to divert the focus from the real issues, said the statement from Inter-Services Public Relations, a mouthpiece of Pakistani army.
Kayani emphasized that the issues of national security need to be considered on merits alone. He added that irrespective of all other considerations, there can be no compromise on national security.
"While speaking to the troops, he appreciated the successes achieved under trying environment and the sacrifices made in the process," the statement said.
The army chief added that no one can put a price tag on the sacred blood of those who have sacrificed their lives for the nation.
"The men and women of Pakistan army are performing their duty of defending Pakistan in accordance with the oath they took. They will continue to do so with the support and prayers of their countrymen, regardless of the cost," Kayani said.
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