Islamabad: Pakistan Army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani today called for harmony between "all elements of national power" to ensure the defence of the country. Addressing officers at the army's General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, he said every nation has the right to safeguard its national interest. He highlighted the importance of the "correct visualisation of the threat to the nation".

Elaborating on the concept of national security, Kayani said the "defence of the country is best ensured when all elements of national power are harmonized". Unless the whole spectrum of threats is analysed, a "wholesome response cannot be worked out", he said. Kayani reiterated that "consensus on threat is of utmost importance in order to garner the public support", said a statement issued by the army. Kayani also highlighted some measures that have been taken to make the functioning of the army more efficient and responsive.

Since he was appointed army chief in November last year by President Pervez Musharraf, Kayani has taken several steps to distance the army from politics. The force recently withdrew hundreds of personnel from civilian departments, including five major generals who were serving with the National Accountability Bureau.

Kayani, who has barred commanders from meeting politicians, also recently briefed the country's top leadership, including PPP co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari and PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, on the security situation in the country and the campaign against militants in the northwestern tribal areas.

Source : PTI