The military media wing said an attempt had been made to "discredit and undermine" the senior leadership of the Army at a time when the institution was sacrificing their lives to secure the nation. "Senior politicians trying to stir controversies on appointment of COAS of Pakistan Army, the procedure for which is well defined in the constitution, is most unfortunate and disappointing," the statement said.
The ISPR further said that the senior leadership of the army has a decades-long "impeccable meritorious service" to prove its patriotic and professional credentials beyond any doubt. The ISPR said politicising the senior leadership of Pakistan Army and "scandalising" the COAS selection process was neither in the interest of the State nor the institution. The military media wing concluded the statement by reiterating the force's commitment to upholding the Constitution.
Imran Khan had earlier on Sunday accused the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition government of stalling general elections to appoint an army chief of its choice. “The second reason is that the new army chief is set to be appointed in November. Zardari and Nawaz want a favourite as the next an army chief as they have plundered public coffers.” he said. "They are scared of a patriotic army chief as such an individual would hold them accountable," the PTI chief had said.