PTM not an issue itself, few individuals exploiting sentiments of people: COAS
'We shall fail all inimical forces and their conspiracies trying to undo our gains', Gen Bajwa says
May 02, 2019
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) itself was not an issue, however, few individuals playing in foreign hands were by design exploiting sentiments of the people.
The remarks by the army chief came during his interaction with students of various universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Corps Auditorium in Peshawar, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The COAS said that Pakistan was blessed with dynamic and talented youth and future of the country belonged to them. He said the Pakistani nation and its armed forces had done a great job fighting against terrorism.
"It’s time now to have its dividends through socio-economic development in which education is most important," General Bajwa said.
Referring to the PTM, he said the organisation itself was not an issue, adding, "The issues being highlighted are genuine and natural in post-operation environment".
The COAS, however, said that a few individuals playing in foreign hands were by design exploiting sentiments of the people, who had actually suffered from terrorism and needed care now.
He said that both government and the security forces were working to address genuine issues of the tribals, regardless of where they come from.
"For us progress towards enduring peace through socio-economic development comes first and we shall fail all inimical forces and their conspiracies trying to undo our gains," General Bajwa concluded.
On the occasion, the students expressed their full support for Pakistan armed forces. They said they would be contributors and not by-standers to bright future of Pakistan, and won't be swayed by detractors of any type.
