RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said that Pakistan Army along with other institutions will ensure secure and safe environment enabling people of Pakistan to freely exercise their democratic right.

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS visited Army Elections Support Center, Rawalpindi.

During the visit, he was given detailed briefing about plan for provision of assistance to ECP for free, fair and transparent conduct of General Elections 18.

Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan army shall assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) strictly for peaceful and transparent general elections 2018 within the bounds of given mandate and as per the ECP code of conduct.

He said that working in synchronisation with other elements of security apparatus, all efforts be put in to ensure secure and safe environment enabling the people of Pakistan to freely exercise their democratic right.

Earlier, a representative of General Headquarters while briefing the Senate Standing Committee said that Pakistan Army has no connection with the General Elections 2018.

He clarified that the army is only working on the directions of Election Commission to improve the law and order situation in the country.

“We do not have a direct role in the polls. Armed forces have always provided support to civil departments,” added the representative.