The Pakistan Army on Monday issued orders to recall nearly 300 officers deployed with various departments of the government and security agencies.

The move was in line with a decision announced by Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani during a meeting of the Core Commanders held on February 7.

Among the officers who were recalled include those serving with key departments and organisations like the National Database and Registration Authority, water and power department, Customs, National Highways Authority, National Crisis Management Cell and Intelligence Bureau.

Some Army officers serving with the four provincial government were also recalled. Official sources said that while some of the officers had been directed to immediately report to the general headquarters, others were allowed to serve the civilian department for three to six months.

The move is part of efforts initiated by Kayani, who became Army chief in November last year, to distance the Army from the political establishment.

Chairing the meeting, Kayani had also approved a policy for "de-induction of serving officers seconded to civil departments".

In recent weeks, Kayani has barred senior army commanders from meeting politicians and repeatedly insisted that the will of the people is "decisive".

He had also called for the "harmonisation of socio-political, administrative and military strategies" to ensure long-term peace and stability".