Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani meeting PML-N Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP
The Pakistan Army’s top brass, among them intelligence chiefs, will soon brief the new government on key national security issues, including prospects of peace talks with Taliban insurgents. The high-powered briefing is expected to take place within the next few days, The Express Tribune has learnt.
Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani conveyed his willingness to brief the new government on major security challenges in a meeting with Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday.
Gen Kayani was among the first officials to meet the new premier soon after he took the oath of office at the Presidency, underlining the importance of civil-military relations.
The crucial briefing will take place at the Prime Minister Office where Gen Kayani, along with the director general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), head of the Military Intelligence and the director general of Military Operations will apprise the new political leadership of the security challenges.
Sources said the security establishment will formally give its input on Premier Nawaz Sharif’s plans to initiate peace talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in an effort to put end to years of bloodshed in the country.
Although, the TTP has rescinded its talks offer following the killing of its chief military strategist Waliur Rehman in a recent US drone attack, the PML-N government will still try to give peace a chance, said a senior PML-N leader requesting anonymity.
In his maiden address to Parliament, Nawaz did not make any statement on proposed peace talks with the Taliban, indicating the sensitive nature of the issue. However, the PML-N leader pointed out that Nawaz would make a policy statement on the subject after in-depth consultation with all stakeholders.
“He (Nawaz Sharif) will make important announcements soon in his address to the nation,” the PML-N leader disclosed.
It is believed that the security establishment has reservations over initiating peace talks with the Taliban. The reservations stem from the track record of the militant group, which used past peace agreements to regroup.
The issue of drone attacks in the tribal regions will also figure prominently in the briefing. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is seeking an end to the CIA-led campaign. The military leadership will share their perspective regarding finding a solution to the controversial programme.
Another subject that is expected to be at the heart of discussions will be Pakistan’s role in the Afghan endgame.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 6th, 2013.
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@Murali Nair: To add, Gen. Kayani is a silent performer. Never in limelight, unlike of his predecessors. But he does what in his "To Do List" for "Today". I admire him that way.
@Shah Yah MQM is behind all this terrorism right? Uzair Baloch is MQM's man? PAC was formed by MQM? MQM called terrorists to destabilize Pakistan? Stop this anti-MQM propaganda. If you guys would have supported MQM when Altaf Hussain was shouting that terrorists are entering Karachi in disguise of refugees, Karachi would have been a much safer place. And by the way during Musharaf's era when MQM had a total control over Karachi due to local body elections of 2002-2008, how many target killing incidents were carried out? MQM is facing this hatred because of its bold stance against terrorism and extremists. Shame on you.
General Kiyani will be remebered in history for his role for the revival of democracy but there is still one question remains to be answered. Who will, in reality, pull the strings on foriegn policy in general and war on terror in particular. Although the current Chief has played his role but lets see whether or not Army as an instution has learnt its role, the role of safeguarding the borders "only", as in any other democratic country.
@Musafir: Sir, you means no cabinet.
@Reason: Law and order is by and large provincial matter and please stop propagating the provincialism. He is Pakistani first and other things afterwards.
its all in the front.
On the back they will keep influencing all key decisions according to their benefit and keep holding the key cards. They are too strong to let any civilian govt work in peace.
@Reason: stop supporting MQM and target killing will end...
General Kayani needs to be appreciated for his constructive role in smooth democratic transition in the country.
To me, it looks as if Gen. Kayani is going to be remembered with reverence in the history books of Pakistan, as the first General who brought democracy back - that is, if he just ensures that this Government, however good or bad, completes its term and hands over the reins to the next elected Government. My best wishes to Pakistan on that.
It is strongly recommended that Mr Sharif should get clearance from intelligence and NAB prior to appointing his cabinet.
1999 in making... help figure out whats behind that smile... one guy in the picture is the "real" power ... any guess who?
General Kiyani and Pakistan Army have played an important role in smooth transfer of power from one civilian government to another civilian government.
I am glad to see that the cooperation extended by Pakistan Army to the civilian government of PPP and the same will be extended to PML(N's) government.