Pakistan

Internal, external threats : ‘Sharif invites generals, judges to the table’

Punjab CM says consensus of institutions needed to save Pakistan.

Abdul Manan March 08, 2011

LAHORE:

The heads of the military, the judiciary and political parties in and outside parliament must sit together and form a joint strategy to tackle Pakistan’s problems, Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Monday.

Talking to the media after inaugurating a three-day polio vaccination campaign here, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pakistan was in a critical phase and faced internal and external threats.

“The need for unity, solidarity and national harmony in the current situation is greater than ever before. Collective efforts are needed to resolve the problems faced by the country,” he said.

The chief minister said that Pakistan needed its leaders to adopt a national mindset, give up political point scoring and come up with unanimous solutions to the country’s challenges. The consensus solution would then have to be implemented in letter and spirit.

He said that he had already contacted Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani in this regard and was ready to meet with anyone for this purpose. He said Pakistan Muslim League-N chief Nawaz Sharif had instructed him to do so.

He did not say what platform such meetings should take place at, or whether implementing a national strategy would require a change in government, the formation of a national government or mid-term elections.

The chief minister’s statement appears to signal a slight shift in PML-N policy considering Nawaz Sharif’s response to previous calls from MQM chief Altaf Hussain for the army or generals to come in and resolve the country’s problems. The PML-N chief had rejected these appeals and said that only a democratic setup could resolve Pakistan’s issues.

Sources in the PML-N told The Express Tribune that Shahbaz Sharif’s statement was a political one and part of a strategy to make the party seem more friendly towards the army.

They said the PML-N would push for mid-term elections once the budget was announced and it did not want the army opposed to a PML-N victory at the polls. They said that Shahbaz had better relations with the military than his brother Nawaz.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 8^th, 2011.

COMMENTS (13)

Aftab Kenneth Wilson | 13 years ago | Reply Remember this person is on "Stay Order" and is also known for his visits to GHQ so he is simply giving a "Civilian Touch" to what his mentors want from these sick brothers. It has already been published in a leading English news paper a few years back that great game is being played to declare our country as Failed State simply to pave way for international greats to bring back our system on track which will work for not less than 20 years. Pir Pagaro also hinted on this type of management. They are simply too much power hungry (though all are) and this is the reason that they never shouldered any responsibility in the Center. People who have some power must realize that right now we are sitting on the top of Volcano. It can erupt any time.

Pakistan Day | 13 years ago | Reply Maybe Sheriff brothers are going to declare "Sheriffistan Day Resolution" and then go to build "Minar-e-Raiwind"

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nasar ali | 13 years ago | Reply Outpourings such as these could have only come from the much touted bright spark of the Muslim League - Noon like Shahbaz Sharif ! That one of the two pre-eminent figures and movers and shakers of this party ( considered by some to be the alternate awaiting power) not only nurtures such uncommon thoughts, but also does not hesitate to present them to the general public as genuine pearls of wisdom explains why the Pakistani people as a nation find themselves in such depths of despair.

Arsalan | 13 years ago | Reply @Maria: Of course you cannot solve all problems - BUT - Direction of governance should have been in right directions which is not. Every other problem which is surfacing is leading to the front door of PM House where new machines have been bought for counting currency notes by the worthy son(s).

Maria | 13 years ago | Reply @Asim+Ali: I beg to differ. In 3 years, the nation has righted some of the wrongs of the past dictatorship and is working to moving on a path with a future as a democratic state. You can't expect complex problems to be resolved in 3 years.

Arsalan | 13 years ago | Reply @Karim Khan: Generals and Judges are not elected people. but They represent the gross root level of Pakistan. They worked hard in their education, selected for the job after tough competition and worked hard for 25-30 years while climbing the ledder of promotions and successes. They have seen most of Pakistan and they know what problems you and me face daily. On the contrary, so called public representatives are born with the golden spoon in their mouths. do not bother much about education and get elected on the seats of their ancestors easily. Comparison is there and you can make out who had more knowledge and more ability to solve our day to day problems.

Arsalan | 13 years ago | Reply The PML (N) is playing their cards nicely. They are afraid that due to prevailing very bad situation someone (Army & Judiciary) may not take over and put some technocrat govt - thus shattering the dream NS and PML-N of becoming PM and forming Govt receptively. My reckoning is that neither Army nor Judiciary will take the bait and will ever sit on conference. If a common man like me can understand this - I think decision makers who are aided by think tanks can understand it even better. NS and PML-N should do well in Punjab first before they think of something bigger.

Karim Khan | 13 years ago | Reply Generals and judges are not publicly elected representatives. Why is Sharif inviting them to sit with the people having public mandate?

Mulla Toofhan | 13 years ago | Reply The CM needs to act on the terrorist problem in Punjab right away as death by terrorist are ever increasing. The number of attacks are alarming and needs to be addressed seriously. He should first try saving innocent live of Punjabis and then worry about Pakistan. Calling conferences and media will not guaranty safety to the people . The Govt. must crack down on these terrorist group. This must be their first priority, just being elected and be in power to play politics is not acceptable

Qasim | 13 years ago | Reply How is this different from the NATIONAL SECURITY COUNSEL, Musharraf was propagating? Politicians including Shahbaz, his own brother and party (democrates one moment and oppotunist next) barked at the idea terming it "supra parliamentary". Does it become kosher, now that it has being floated by the khadim-e-awam?

Malik Liaquat Hussain | 13 years ago | Reply Main sb you are following the steps of zardari sb. When PM asked for the same you were not interested and now your own position is miserable in Punjab. According to media report and general public behviour Imran Khan is getting popularity particlular in Punjab and KP. Now you people wish to prolong your regim by engaging government in talks.

Asim+Ali | 13 years ago | Reply What a pity this country has to deal with failed leadership and that we have to live with it for the buzzword democracy. In 3 years we have seen absolutely zero progress. The so called leadership has failed to provide what it wants Pakistan to be. How can it? Large corporate multinational CEOs are given 3 months to turn things around or be fired and here we have given the country to a bunch of morons. What a pity that the free media is unable to project people who can actually turn things around for the country, be it tourism, banking, foreign affairs, telecommunications, IT, power etc. Instead we get to see and read about morons who have absolutely no training or experience in leadership and the challenge of leadership. In a fast changing global environment, every day is important. The people at the helm of affairs have no idea or can value time.

Faizan | 13 years ago | Reply The CM Punjab is absolutely right. Leaving behind all differences, we have to move forward and formulate a joint strategy to save Pakistan. It is the need of an hour. Not only military, judiciary and political leaders, we all have to commit ourselves to follow a joint welfare strategy for our beloved country.

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