Anti-military narrative has divided PML-N: Imran

Premier says no patriot can support anti-military narrative

ISLAMABAD:

Hitting out at his political opponents particularly PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said no patriotic Pakistani can think of supporting an anti-military narrative.

“The people of Pakistan love their armed forces. No patriot can support an anti-military narrative,” the premier said on Monday while chairing a meeting of the PTI and government spokespersons.

The PML-N has drawn the ire of the federal government and the military primarily due to the recent speeches of former premier Nawaz Sharif delivered at the opposition rallies staged under a newly cobbled alliance – the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM).

In the speeches, the convicted former prime minister harshly criticized the military for establishing a “state above the state” and imposing the PTI government through “rigged polls” in July 2018.

Statements of some other PML-N leaders including former National Assembly speaker Ayaz Sadiq also whipped up a controversy with the military’s media wing – the Inter-Services Public Relations – formally expressing its displeasure.

According to a source that attended the meeting, the premier referred to these statements and said this anti-military narrative has also divided the PML-N, a segment of whose leaders, according to him, do not support this stance.

Commenting on the controversial speech that Ayaz Sadiq delivered in the National Assembly on October 28, Imran said the speech reflected an approach that undermined national security.

In his speech, Sadiq had implied that the PTI government had buckled under fear of an Indian attack and released an Indian pilot captured during last year’s military standoff between the two neighbours.

“The interests of opposition are against the national interest. It would be harmful for the country, if the government got blackmailed by the opposition.

“The basic purpose of the opposition’s ongoing movement [PDM] is to pressure the government so that it may not pursue corruption cases lodged against the opposition leaders.

“However, the people who misused authority while in power will be held accountable,” he added.

The premier asked the spokespersons to effectively highlight the steps taken by the government. He also urged the ruling party lawmakers to play an active role in resolution of the problems faced by the people of their constituencies.

Meeting on education

Chairing a meeting to deliberate on proposals for implementing a uniform curriculum, the premier said it is his government’s top priority to bring an end to class based education system.

“A uniform education system is not only the need of the day but also the right of every child. The new generation should be taught about the life and times of our beloved Prophet (PBUH),” he said.