<p>Amid volatile political climate in Pakistan due to impending appointment of new Chief of Army Staff, country's current army chief General Qamar Bajwa said on Wednesday that the country's defeat in 1971 war was a political failure and not a military one as is widely said. In his Defence Day speech, which could be his last one as army chief, Bajwa warned country's politicians by asserting that army's "patience has a limit",&nbsp;adding&nbsp;that the country must do enough to remember the soldiers who died in the 1971 war.</p>

<p>Pakistan, upon its formation in 1947 following British India's partition, was divided in two parts: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Bangladesh became independent 1971 after Pakistan's authorities dominated by the West launched an operation to counter a freedom movement in the region, following 1970 elections that gave powers to govern to parties from East that the West deemed unacceptable. Scholars estimate up to 3 million deaths in Bangladesh during ethnic cleansing that complemented the military operation by Pakistani army.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-pak-army-chief-qamar-bajwa-set-to-retire-heres-who-might-succeed-him-536407">With Pak army chief Qamar Bajwa set to retire, here are top contenders likely to succeed him</a></strong></p>

<p>Wednesday's statement is the latest in the series of attempts by Pakistani Army to whitewash its history of killing unarmed civilians in Bangladesh during the events that led to the formation of an independent Bangladesh in December 1971.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Respect Pakistani soldiers who died in 1971: Pak's General Bajwa</strong></p>

<p>Bajwa said that he was of the view that the army was targeted recently by some political forces with a “false and made-up narrative” and the institution, despite being in capacity to respond to it by all manner, stayed calm but “patience has a limit”.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, former prime minister Imran Khan had alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal Naseer were part of a plot to assassinate him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I came to the conclusion that it is because of army’s involvement in politics (that it is criticised so much). So, in February last year, the institution decided that it will no longer interfere in politics,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Everyone has right to criticism, but the language (used) should be careful,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-great-pakistani-loot-how-gen-bajwas-family-became-billionaires-536585">The great Pakistani loot: How Gen Bajwa's family became billionaires</a></strong></p>

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<p>Bajwa said that leaving the mistakes of the past behind, the army has decided to move forward and will urge the political forces to do the same in the larger national interest.</p>

<p>“People come and go but Pakistan is there to stay,” said army chief.</p>

<p>Bajwa said that political parties much learn to co-exist.</p>

<p>“It is time political parties promote democratic culture in Pakistan, learn to co-exist and keep aside their differences to put Pakistan on the path of progress,” he said, adding that personalities and personal interests do not matter when the state’s interest is at stake.</p>

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Amid volatile political climate in Pakistan due to impending appointment of new Chief of Army Staff, country's current army chief General Qamar Bajwa said on Wednesday that the country's defeat in 1971 war was a political failure and not a military one as is widely said.

Amid volatile political climate in Pakistan due to impending appointment of new Chief of Army Staff, country's current army chief General Qamar Bajwa said on Wednesday that the country's defeat in 1971 war was a political failure and not a military one as is widely said. In his Defence Day speech, which could be his last one as army chief, Bajwa warned country's politicians by asserting that army's "patience has a limit", adding that the country must do enough to remember the soldiers who died in the 1971 war. Pakistan, upon its formation in 1947 following British India's partition, was divided in two parts: West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). Bangladesh became independent 1971 after Pakistan's authorities dominated by the West launched an operation to counter a freedom movement in the region, following 1970 elections that gave powers to govern to parties from East that the West deemed unacceptable. Scholars estimate up to 3 million deaths in Bangladesh during ethnic cleansing that complemented the military operation by Pakistani army. ALSO READ | With Pak army chief Qamar Bajwa set to retire, here are top contenders likely to succeed him Wednesday's statement is the latest in the series of attempts by Pakistani Army to whitewash its history of killing unarmed civilians in Bangladesh during the events that led to the formation of an independent Bangladesh in December 1971. Respect Pakistani soldiers who died in 1971: Pak's General Bajwa Bajwa said that he was of the view that the army was targeted recently by some political forces with a “false and made-up narrative” and the institution, despite being in capacity to respond to it by all manner, stayed calm but “patience has a limit”. Earlier this month, former prime minister Imran Khan had alleged that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah and Major General Faisal Naseer were part of a plot to assassinate him. “I came to the conclusion that it is because of army’s involvement in politics (that it is criticised so much). So, in February last year, the institution decided that it will no longer interfere in politics,” he said. “Everyone has right to criticism, but the language (used) should be careful,” he added. WATCH | The great Pakistani loot: How Gen Bajwa's family became billionaires × Bajwa said that leaving the mistakes of the past behind, the army has decided to move forward and will urge the political forces to do the same in the larger national interest. “People come and go but Pakistan is there to stay,” said army chief. Bajwa said that political parties much learn to co-exist. “It is time political parties promote democratic culture in Pakistan, learn to co-exist and keep aside their differences to put Pakistan on the path of progress,” he said, adding that personalities and personal interests do not matter when the state’s interest is at stake. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Defeat in 1971 war was a political failure, not of Pakistan's military, says Gen Bajwa

<p paraeid="{871c70eb-d4c4-41e2-bc28-5017e363ff9b}{188}" paraid="897355117" >A senior lawmaker from Pakistan ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was arrested for tweeting against Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is scheduled to retire on November 29, 2022.</p>

<p paraeid="{e0dddebf-a2b6-4c15-9205-b2b821c76fb5}{93}" paraid="1227998517" >In his tweet, senator Azam Khan Swati&nbsp;accused Bajwa of legitimising corruption in the state institutions following the&nbsp;acquittal&nbsp;of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in the money laundering case.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{6376cab4-947e-4b3d-881f-edad4aaa793a}{57}" paraid="1638792634" >“Mr Bajwa congratulations to you and few with you. Your plan is really working and all criminals are getting free at cost of this country. With these thugs getting free, you have legitimised corruption. How you predict now the future of this country (sic),” he said.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mr Bajwa congratulations to you and few with you . Your plan is really working and all criminals are getting free at cost of this country . With these thugs getting free You have legitimise corruption . How you predict now the future of this country ? <a href="https://t.co/uZgHQjZ7lJ">pic.twitter.com/uZgHQjZ7lJ</a></p>
— Senator Azam Khan Swati (@AzamKhanSwatiPk) <a href="https://twitter.com/AzamKhanSwatiPk/status/1580196735288107010?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Following his tweet, a case was registered against the PTI leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{818055de-0668-481e-947b-aba42df71948}{187}" paraid="888877317" >According to local media reports, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered the First Information Report at its Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{b7832276-87c8-4f8b-95c7-5db74f54a880}{1}" paraid="1947370944" >The FIR states that Swati spread “false information” through his official Twitter handle, “which is likely to incite any Officer, Soldier, Sailor, or Airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force to mutiny”, reports Express Tribune newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{45dbc36b-6459-4f7d-b50e-6733236d17c4}{47}" paraid="1597172489" >“This is a calculated attempt to create hatred in the minds of people and army personnel/s against COAS and Pakistan army and also created distrust towards the judicial system. In such intimidating tweet/s, the accused Muhammad Azam Khan Swati has attempted to provoke the general public and personnel/s of armed forces by trying to create a feeling of ill-will among pillars of the State,” said&nbsp;the FIR.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{d4f102e6-a599-40c6-afc7-7a223a6ea8a4}{5}" paraid="1597689364" >On Thursday, Swati was produced before a sessions court in Islamabad where he addressed the media outside saying that he was not arrested for breaking the law, violating the Constitution or fundamental rights but for “taking one name — of Bajwa — and that is the violation”.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{10b247fa-42a9-43ec-8e48-3e5732f5ca3e}{53}" paraid="1201803548" >PM Shehbaz and his son were cleared of money laundering charges worth Rs 116 billion by a Lahore court.&nbsp;</p>

<p paraeid="{871c70eb-d4c4-41e2-bc28-5017e363ff9b}{87}" paraid="1075717958" >(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</p>

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A senior lawmaker from Pakistan ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was arrested for tweeting against Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is scheduled to retire on November 29, 2022.

A senior lawmaker from Pakistan ex-prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party was arrested for tweeting against Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is scheduled to retire on November 29, 2022. In his tweet, senator Azam Khan Swati accused Bajwa of legitimising corruption in the state institutions following the acquittal of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his son Hamza Shehbaz in the money laundering case. “Mr Bajwa congratulations to you and few with you. Your plan is really working and all criminals are getting free at cost of this country. With these thugs getting free, you have legitimised corruption. How you predict now the future of this country (sic),” he said. Mr Bajwa congratulations to you and few with you . Your plan is really working and all criminals are getting free at cost of this country . With these thugs getting free You have legitimise corruption . How you predict now the future of this country ? pic.twitter.com/uZgHQjZ7lJ — Senator Azam Khan Swati (@AzamKhanSwatiPk) October 12, 2022 × Following his tweet, a case was registered against the PTI leader. According to local media reports, Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) registered the First Information Report at its Cyber Crime Reporting Centre in Islamabad. The FIR states that Swati spread “false information” through his official Twitter handle, “which is likely to incite any Officer, Soldier, Sailor, or Airman in the Army, Navy or Air Force to mutiny”, reports Express Tribune newspaper. “This is a calculated attempt to create hatred in the minds of people and army personnel/s against COAS and Pakistan army and also created distrust towards the judicial system. In such intimidating tweet/s, the accused Muhammad Azam Khan Swati has attempted to provoke the general public and personnel/s of armed forces by trying to create a feeling of ill-will among pillars of the State,” said the FIR. On Thursday, Swati was produced before a sessions court in Islamabad where he addressed the media outside saying that he was not arrested for breaking the law, violating the Constitution or fundamental rights but for “taking one name — of Bajwa — and that is the violation”. PM Shehbaz and his son were cleared of money laundering charges worth Rs 116 billion by a Lahore court. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lawmaker from ex-PM Imran Khan’s party PTI arrested for tweeting against Pak Army chief  

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be appointing the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) come the month of November, as per Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, Khawaja made the statement during a press conference on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Former premier Nawaz Sharif has fulfilled this political responsibility four times and Shehbaz will do the same in November,” Khwaja told the reporters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister also trained his guns on former PM Imran Khan who has been iterating that the government is stalling elections to bring the army chief of choice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He just wants to make the Army Chief’s appointment controversial. Politics is separate but institutions should not be made controversial,” chided Khawaja.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pakistan-army-slams-imran-khans-defamatory-remarks-about-military-leadership-513522"><strong>WATCH | WION Dispatch: Pakistan army slams Imran Khan's 'defamatory' remarks about military leadership</strong></a></p>

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<p>It is pertinent to note that current Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa retires on November 29 after his three-year extension ends. The appointment of the Army chief in Pakistan is a big deal as the Army rules the coup-prone country from behind the curtains.</p>

<p>While a democratic regime sits in Islamabad at all times, it is the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi where the big decisions are taken and instructed to the executive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most governments in Pakistan tend to have an Army chief that dictates the actions. Bajwa was no less and on several occasions, he undermined former PM Imran Khan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief attempted to go against Bajwa, he was cut to size, and Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government was brought to power.</p>

<p>Since then, Imran has been openly targeting Sharif's government and not leaving an opportunity to go after Bajwa as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by WION, in a public rally in faislabad earlier this month, Imran stated that Sharif was trying to appoint his pawn because if a "patriotic Army Chief is appointed, he would ask them about their ill-gotten wealth".</p>

<p>Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/critique-on-imran-khan-following-statement-alleging-that-govt-wants-to-bring-an-army-chief-of-their-choice-513154">Critique on Imran Khan following statement alleging that govt wants to bring an army chief of their choice</a></p>

<p>At the time, Khawaja had retorted by saying,&nbsp;"Imran Khan made wrong statement about the army chief at the rally. Many army chiefs were appointed in Pakistan. The sanctity of some institutions is for Pakistan’s security, Imran Khan should not play with the country for its own interests."</p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Islamabad High Court Chief Justice, Justice Athar Minallah while hearing a petition regarding the censoring of Imran Khan's speeches, censured Imran Khan over his COAS appointment remarks asking Imran Khan's consul to do some self-accountability.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be appointing the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) come the month of November, as per Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will be appointing the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) come the month of November, as per Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Reportedly, Khawaja made the statement during a press conference on Saturday. “Former premier Nawaz Sharif has fulfilled this political responsibility four times and Shehbaz will do the same in November,” Khwaja told the reporters. The minister also trained his guns on former PM Imran Khan who has been iterating that the government is stalling elections to bring the army chief of choice. “He just wants to make the Army Chief’s appointment controversial. Politics is separate but institutions should not be made controversial,” chided Khawaja. WATCH | WION Dispatch: Pakistan army slams Imran Khan's 'defamatory' remarks about military leadership × It is pertinent to note that current Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa retires on November 29 after his three-year extension ends. The appointment of the Army chief in Pakistan is a big deal as the Army rules the coup-prone country from behind the curtains. While a democratic regime sits in Islamabad at all times, it is the Army headquarters in Rawalpindi where the big decisions are taken and instructed to the executive. Most governments in Pakistan tend to have an Army chief that dictates the actions. Bajwa was no less and on several occasions, he undermined former PM Imran Khan. However, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) chief attempted to go against Bajwa, he was cut to size, and Shehbaz Sharif and his coalition government was brought to power. Since then, Imran has been openly targeting Sharif's government and not leaving an opportunity to go after Bajwa as well. As reported by WION, in a public rally in faislabad earlier this month, Imran stated that Sharif was trying to appoint his pawn because if a "patriotic Army Chief is appointed, he would ask them about their ill-gotten wealth". Read more: Critique on Imran Khan following statement alleging that govt wants to bring an army chief of their choice At the time, Khawaja had retorted by saying, "Imran Khan made wrong statement about the army chief at the rally. Many army chiefs were appointed in Pakistan. The sanctity of some institutions is for Pakistan’s security, Imran Khan should not play with the country for its own interests." Meanwhile, Islamabad High Court Chief Justice, Justice Athar Minallah while hearing a petition regarding the censoring of Imran Khan's speeches, censured Imran Khan over his COAS appointment remarks asking Imran Khan's consul to do some self-accountability. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pakistan PM to appoint next Army chief in November, says Defence Minister Asif

<p>Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border.</p>

<p>Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war."</p>

<p>The development came after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend.</p>

<p>Sources said Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling mortars and firing with small arms along the LoC Rajouri district.</p>

<p>However, the Indian Army retaliated strongly to the cross border firing.</p>

<p>On Friday, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed the troops "to be ready to face any eventuality."</p>

<p>Pakistan's Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday during a press conference had said, "We are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war."</p>

<p>He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with full force if attacked.</p>

<p>Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Ghafoor said,&nbsp;"We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan."</p>

<p>India has asserted that since Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/adil-ahmad-dar-the-man-who-carried-out-the-pulwama-attack-197476">Pulwama attack</a>, there was no more evidence required.</p>

<p>The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack</p>


Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border. Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war.

Amid growing tensions between India and Pakistan, Islamabad has decided to move troops from the western border to its eastern border. Dunya News quoted Pakistani diplomatic sources as saying, "Pakistan does not want the atmosphere of fear but the country is ready to respond with full force if India imposed war." The development came after the Pakistan Army violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector over the weekend. Sources said Pakistan army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by shelling mortars and firing with small arms along the LoC Rajouri district. However, the Indian Army retaliated strongly to the cross border firing. On Friday, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Jawed Bajwa had visited Pakistani troops deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir and instructed the troops "to be ready to face any eventuality." Pakistan's Army spokesperson Major General Asif Ghafoor on Friday during a press conference had said, "We are not preparing to initiate anything. We have the right to respond to your preparations for war." He had also claimed that Pakistan does not want an armed conflict but will respond with full force if attacked. Talking about the possibility of a war between the two nations, Ghafoor said, "We do not wish to go to war but please be rest assured should you initiate any aggression- first you shall never be able to surprise us, let me assure you we shall surprise you...We have the ways and the means to attain what is desired. I hope you (India) get this message and don't mess with Pakistan." India has asserted that since Jaish-e-Mohammed, which is based in Pakistan, had itself claimed responsibility for Pulwama attack, there was no more evidence required. The UN, the US, and several other major world powers have held JeM responsible for the attack

Amid growing tension with India, Pak to move troops from western to eastern border