Gen (retd) Bajwa says he didn’t give interview to Shahid Maitla, journalist insists he has evidence to back his claim

By Web Desk Staff On Mar 25, 2023

Islamabad: Hours after journalist Shahid Maitla published the second part of his interview with former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa, anchor Kamran Shahid said the army chief denied having any conversation with Maitla.

Ex COAS Generel Bajwa has just shared with me the following statement “I did not give any interview to any body, I am not allowed to give any statement, comment or interview till 29 Nov 2024…”
— Kamran Shahid (@FrontlineKamran) March 24, 2023

According to Kamran Shahid, Bajwa has threatened to sue Shahid Maitla over the interview attributed to him.

On the other hand, Maitla said he has evidence to corroborate that the interview took place.

Gen Bajwa is earning respect every passing minute. pic.twitter.com/7MlSjrAMk3
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) March 24, 2023

Breaking: Second part of Gen Bajwa’s interaction is released https://t.co/1KHpGC3nFo
— Shahid Maitla (@ShahidMaitla) March 24, 2023

Senior journalist Mattiullah Jan explained the reason behind the interview and why Bajwa issued a denial.

After retirement army chiefs become timid enough not to embarrass their successors with formal “interview” and yet they can’t resist reacting to serious allegations. Therefore while they rightfully deny having given an “interview” they do want their conversations to be reported. https://t.co/mmTqxlajcB
— Matiullah Jan (@Matiullahjan919) March 24, 2023

Meanwhile, journalist Talat Hussin said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the military command has reacted to the interview by asking the former army chief to stop wherever he was doing.

Highly placed govt sources say that views linked with Gen retd Bajwa caused deep resentment in the PM office and utterly embarrassed the present military command. He was then given a shut-up call and told to stop whatever he was doing, sources say.
— Syed Talat Hussain (@TalatHussain12) March 24, 2023