ISLAMABAD – Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday said there should be no obstacle in the army’s return to politics on account of its growing unpopularity.
Taking to Twitter, Asif said “past events should not bear in the matter” and prayed for the military’s health so it could live with dignity.
“In view of the army’s unpopularity, there should be no obstacle for it to return to politics,” the defence minister tweeted.
“Past events should not be allowed to interfere in this regard. May Allah give them health and may they return to politics with dignity,” he added.
The army’s spokesperson clarified that the institution wasn’t out of politics, but claimed that it has sidelined itself in the recent past.
The spokesperson had issued the statement after false news of the army’s departure from politics started circulating on social media after some Pakistani and Indian publications carried it.
The army’s unpopularity came to light in recent times as party after party that didn’t like its own removal from politics started demanding the military’s removal from politics.
Observers say despite the defence minister’s statement, the army’s return to politics won’t take place since it didn’t go anywhere for it to have the need to return.
