Pakistan army chief issues warning in rare message

ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s powerful army chief has issued a rare public statement warning against efforts to undermine the country’s military.

Analysts interpreted Gen. Ashfaq Parvez Kayani’s cryptic message as a response to unprecedented pressure the army is facing from the government, media and judiciary.

Kayani said Monday the military draws its strength from public support, and anything that undermines that threatens Pakistan’s security. He also warned institutions from stepping outside their boundaries as defined by the constitution.

The Supreme Court has put pressure on the army and intelligence services for allegedly snatching scores of people off the streets and holding them without charges.

The judges also recommended recently that the government launch legal proceedings against a former army chief and head of intelligence for allegedly bankrolling politicians in the 1990 elections.