ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Thursday dismissed six high ranking Officers of Pakistan Army under corruption charges, a move that was widely welcomed across the country.
The security sources confirmed that Lieutenant General Ubaid Ullah Khattak, Major General Ejaz Shahid, Brigadier Asad Shahzada, Brigadier Amir, Brigadier Saifullah and Colonel Haider were forced to retire for their involvement in corruption.
Sources said that plots, agricultural lands and other incentives were withdrawn from the dismissed officers; however, they would continue to enjoy medical and pension facilities.
Earlier reports citing sources said that 12 army officers including Lieutenant General Ubaid Ullah Khattak, Major General Ejaz Shahid, five Brigadiers including Brigadier Saifullah, Brigadier Rasheed, Brigadier Asad Shahzada and Brigadier Amir, three Colonel including Colonel Haider and Major Najeeb were dismissed.
Sources said that eight of the dismissed officers belonged to the Frontier Corps (FC) Balochistan and their dismissal occurred as a result of an investigation conducted by Lieutenant General Zubair Mahmood Hayat on the orders of the army chief following a car accident in Balochistan in which a Lieutenant Colonel was killed.
The move comes two days after the General Raheel Sharif during his visit at the Signal Regimental Centre in Kohat emphasized the need for carrying out across the board accountability for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the political leaders have appreciated the move taken by the COAS and said that it will set an example for other institutions as well.
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Qamar Zaman Kaira said that move by the army chief to dismiss corrupt officers is a welcoming step, adding that the pressure on the government will increase if it fails to take action against corruption.
The Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Chief Sirajul Haq also appreciated and welcomed dismissal of army officers as a result of corruption probe. He said that now it’s time for other institutions as well to act against corruption.
Genrls dismissls on charges of financial corruptn is a welcom dvlpmnt.The system that allowed them opportunities4 wrongdoing mst b rectified
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) April 21, 2016
COAS spoke of across the board accountability & has begun the same in the institution of the army. But Govt still dithering! Shameful!
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) April 21, 2016
It has happened at a time when the federal government is under immense pressure to carry out a transparent and impartial investigation into the Panama Leaks, involving family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
“Ongoing war against terrorism and extremism being fought with the backing of entire nation cannot bring enduring peace and stability unless the menace of corruption is not uprooted,” the COAS said in Kohat on Tuesday.
“Therefore, across the board accountability is necessary for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of Pakistan,” he added.
