PM Shehbaz Sharif returns home after ‘inconclusive’ five-day visit to London
PM Shehbaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan after completing his 'inconclusive' five-day visit to London where he held consultations with the ruling PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif.
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has returned to Pakistan after completing his ‘inconclusive’ five-day visit to London where he held consultations with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif.
PM Shehbaz Sharif held multiple rounds of talks with Nawaz Sharif during his stay in London regarding the political situation and key appointment of the army chief. The premier was scheduled to depart for Pakistan earlier but it was delayed multiple times.
Sources told News360 that the consultations remained inconclusive regarding the appointment of the army chief as the defence ministry did not forward the list of five nominees for the army chief’s slot.
Analysts questioned why PM Sharif spent five days in London without any outcomes despite being aware of no recommendation from the defence ministry regarding the key appointment. They added that the political impasse is yet to be over in the country as no progress was witnessed regarding the army chief’s appointment yet.
COAS extension or new appointment: Establishment throws ball in Nawaz Sharif’s court
It should be noted that 5 names are yet to come regarding the appointment of the new Army Chief. These names will come through the Ministry of Defense which has not yet come.
It was learnt earlier that the establishment thew the ball in Nawaz Sharif’s court after the powerful circles divided over a six-month extension to the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa or appointing Lieutenant General Syed Asim Munir as the new army chief.
Sources said that the powerful circles divided over the name of Lt Gen Asim Munir for the army chief’s slot during the Corps Commanders Conference.
Sources said that Nawaz Sharif has been offered to return to Pakistan as a level playing field will be given to him. Moreover, he was recommended to give a six-month extension to the current army chief besides the announcement of the fresh election schedule.
Army chief’s appointment: Asif Ali Zardari keeps trump card
The ball is in the ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif’s court. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has departed for London to hold consultations with Nawaz Sharif regarding the key decisions.
Analysts said if the federal government accepts the recommendations, then the National Assembly (NA) would be dissolved and a caretaker government would unveil the schedule of fresh elections. The decision for the new army chief would be taken by the new government, they added.
It is pertinent to mention here that former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan had also asked the government to give an extension to the COAS Bajwa and announce fresh elections. He urged that the procedure for the appointment of the new army chief should be made on merit.
