Pakistan's powerful army chief has issued a rare public statement warning against efforts to undermine the country's military.
The comments by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani come amid unprecedented pressure on the army from Pakistan's civilian government, media, and judiciary.
Kayani said on November 5 that the military derives its strength from the public and any effort that "draws a wedge" between the people and the military undermines national security.
Kayani's comments have been reported by the Pakistani media as a veiled challenge to Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Last month, Supreme Court Chief Judge Iftikhar Chaudhry ruled that the military must stop interfering in politics, a rare challenge to Pakistan's powerful generals.
The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 65-year history through numerous coups.
The comments by General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani come amid unprecedented pressure on the army from Pakistan's civilian government, media, and judiciary.
Kayani said on November 5 that the military derives its strength from the public and any effort that "draws a wedge" between the people and the military undermines national security.
Kayani's comments have been reported by the Pakistani media as a veiled challenge to Pakistan’s Supreme Court.
Last month, Supreme Court Chief Judge Iftikhar Chaudhry ruled that the military must stop interfering in politics, a rare challenge to Pakistan's powerful generals.
The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 65-year history through numerous coups.
