Pakistan's army chief has denied allegations that the military is seeking to oust the country's civilian leadership amid a scandal over a secret memo.
General Ashfaq Kayani said in a statement released on December 23 that speculations of a military coup were "misleading" and aimed to divert attention from the "real issues."
Kayani said the army would continue to support democracy and respect the constitution.
Pakistan's military has ruled the country for much of its history after carrying out a series of coups.
Tensions between the military and civilian leaders have increased in recent months over a memo sent to Washington asking for help in averting a coup.
compiled from agency reports
General Ashfaq Kayani said in a statement released on December 23 that speculations of a military coup were "misleading" and aimed to divert attention from the "real issues."
Kayani said the army would continue to support democracy and respect the constitution.
Pakistan's military has ruled the country for much of its history after carrying out a series of coups.
Tensions between the military and civilian leaders have increased in recent months over a memo sent to Washington asking for help in averting a coup.
compiled from agency reports
