Pakistan army distances itself from Imran Khan's claim of 'foreign conspiracy' behind ouster

Army spokesman decries social media campaign against ‘apolitical’ institution

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - The Pakistani army on Thursday distanced itself from former Prime Minister Imran Khan's claim that a “foreign conspiracy” was behind his ouster from power.

Citing a diplomatic cable from Pakistan’s ex-envoy to the US, Khan said interference from the US led to his removal in a no-confidence vote in parliament last week.

He claimed that the National Security Committee (NSC), which includes the country's top civil and military leadership, had endorsed his view.

"The words used [in the NSC statement] are clear. Is there any word such as conspiracy used in it? I don't think so," military spokesman Maj. Gen. Babar Iftikhar told a news conference in Islamabad after a corps commanders conference.

Intelligence agencies are working against all threats, and will not let any evil designs come to fruition, the spokesman said.

He, however, added that the committee called for issuing a demarche to the country in question as the language used by its official was “undiplomatic” and amounted to “interference.”

The military spokesman also decried a social media campaign against its leadership implying complicity in recent events, and reiterated that army has nothing to do with politics.

“Our constitutional and legal role does not allow us to interfere in political affairs," he said, adding that the institution has decided to remain “apolitical” in the future as well.

He said relevant institutions have evidence of the smear campaign, and that law should take its course.

The official also clarified that army chief Gen. Qamar Bajwa is not seeking a second extension, and will retire on Nov. 29, the end of his tenure. "Let me put this to rest. The chief of army staff is neither seeking an extension nor will he accept an extension," he said.

Khan insists he has been the victim of a "regime change" conspiracy, and has taken his fight to the streets in the hope of forcing early elections, which are not scheduled before 2023.

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