It said senior commanders, including the army chief, ``expressed serious concern regarding clauses (of the bill) impacting on national security.' But it also referred to the parliament's deliberation on the subject, which it said would allow ``the government to develop a national response.'
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday chaired 122nd Corps Commanders Conference, held at General Headquarters. The participants were given a comprehensive briefing on the current security situation in the country and the region during the day long discourse of the meeting.
COAS in his opening remarks dilated upon various issues related to national security and impending challenges faced by the country. He reiterated that Pakistan is a sovereign state and has all the rights to analyse and respond to the threat in accordance with her own national interests.
Kerry Lugar bill also came under discussion during the conference. The forum expressed serious concern regarding clauses impacting on National Security. A formal input is being provided to the Government. However, in the considered view of the forum, it is the Parliament, that represents the will of the people of Pakistan, which would deliberate on the issue, enabling the Government to develop a National response. COAS in his concluding remarks reiterated that Pakistan stands committed to global and regional peace, and wishes to live in harmony with her neighbours.