Kayani defends intelligence agencies' role over 'missing persons' issue

Islamabad, Mar 15(ANI): Pakistan army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has defended the role of intelligence agencies on the issue of missing persons , saying "establishing institutions require a lot of hard work and the media should be careful ... that their words do not undermine these [institutions]."

He said the Mehran Bank scandal is a 20-year old issue and added "if you want to fight with history in this context, it's your choice to do so."

He also said that only 47 people are missing in Balochistan and defended the role of Pakistan army, saying its activities had helped improve the standard of living for the people of Balochistan, The Express Tribune reports.

"Even now, there are Baloch who have seen a 10 rupee currency note for the first time in their lives,' Kayani added.

He also said that no further cantonments are going to be established in Balochistan and that only the Frontier Constabulary is performing its duties in the province.

He added that about 10,000 young people were recruited into the armed forces from Balochistan who were about to complete their training

He categorically stated only Pakistan Parliament will decide about the re-opening NATO supply routes that have been shut since the deadly November 26 NATO airstrikes in Mohmand Agency. (ANI)