Stay away from politicians, Pak army chief tells officers

From the Central Chronicle.

Pakistan Army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani has directed all officers of the force to refrain from meeting politicians and indulging in politics. Kayani, who took over in November after President Pervez Musharraf doffed his military uniform, has written to his juniors, including commanding officers of key formations, that they had "no role to play in politics" and that soldiers should heed their professional responsibilities. He said the prime role of the armed forces is to carry out their professional duties and they should not indulge in the political affairs of the country....

When General Kayani took over, he declare 2008 the "Year of the Soldier" to address low morale in units. One way to bring up low morale is to train. As such,

Chairing his first meeting of the Corps Commanders earlier this month, Kayani said the "will of the people and their support" is decisive. He also called for the army to focus on training and operational preparedness to tackle internal and external threats.

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