Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief, Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, on Friday assured President Asif Ali Zardari that democracy will not be derailed and the elected government will be allowed to make important decisions regarding foreign policy.
“Gen. Kayani assured the President that the Army will stick to its professional duties and will not engage in politics. He expressed his commitment to the elected government,” a senior government official privy to the meeting told this newspaper. He said Gen. Kayani and Mr Zardari met informally over tea at the presidency after the Nishan-e-Imtiaz ceremony for Navy Chief Admiral Asif Sandila. “Gen. Kayani made it clear that the Army wants democracy to flourish and will continue to support the government,” the official said. “Gen. Kayani and the President also discussed the recommendations of the parliamentary committee in regard to the Nato attack,” another official said.