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Shehbaz Sharif dodges question on army chief extension

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Shehbaz Sharif, army chief extension, COAS

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) President and the Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has dodged the question regarding the appointment or extension of the army chief.

Shehbaz Sharif, while being interviewed at Samaa TV programme Nadeem Malik Live, was questioned what the opposition will do regarding the appointment of the new army chief or extension.

To this, the PML-N president replied, “It is a premature question. Honestly. If Allah Almighty gives us a chance and such a situation is created then there is a consultative process that will be followed. We will make a decision in accordance with the law and the Constitution. And in line with the national interests. We will not take any decision which will create a divisive situation in the country again.”

The host questioned whether the extension of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will be taken into consideration. However, Shehbaz Sharif avoided giving a clear response to the question and said that they wanted to unite the nation in the tough circumstances created by [Prime Minister] Imran Khan.

He alleged that PM Imran Khan has injected venom into society and they have to extract the poison to end the polarisation. Sharif added that it will not be an easy task.

“This will be possible in an only way to take everyone with us with dignity and honour. Give respect and collect respect. This country will rise again to become a great nation.”

Regarding his relations with the current COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Shehbaz Sharif said that he has maintained very good ties with all army chiefs, however, it should be meant that he had said ‘Yes’ to everything.

The senior politician said that it was a very productive and constructive dialogue. “Our relationship, for what, not for my or Mian Nawaz Sharif’s benefits or for their benefit but for the ultimate benefit of the people of Pakistan.

He admitted that he acted as a bridge between Islamabad and Rawalpindi when PML-N remained in power under the leadership of former prime minister Mian Nawaz Sharif.

The host then questioned that confrontation will not produce results. Shehbaz Sharif said that it was not about confrontation or consultation but it is all about the consultative process. It is time to work with unity for the prosperity of the Pakistanis, he added.

He said in a Twitter message that the matter which needed to be decided in the end of this year is being used by the opposition for their dirty politics. He challenged the PML-N president that he would not be the one to take the decision but spending his time in the jail. Gill said that Nawaz and Shehbaz are two sides of the same coin.

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