File photo of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a visit to the Pakistan Army’s headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi today (Tuesday) to discuss national security issues, including fragile peace talks with Taliban.
The visit to the General Headquarters (GHQ) comes against the backdrop of fading hopes of any peace deal with Taliban as a result of Hakimullah Mehsud’s killing in a drone strike last week.
A senior military official told The Express Tribune that the prime minister would be given in-depth briefing about the current security situation.
He will also interact with likely successor of Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the official added.
Kayani is set to retire later this month. The government, however, has yet to make any announcement that who would be his successor.
The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the army would give its input about the prospects of peace talks with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), particularly after Mullah Fazlullah has become its new chief.
It is believed that military authorities are apprehensive that this change may not augur well for the peace efforts.
“He (Fazlullah) may push the government to another military operation,” said a defence source. Nawaz will also pay homage to our soldiers by laying a wreath at the memorial of martyrs.
His gesture is also aimed at showing solidarity with the army at a time when Jamaat-e-Islami chief Munawar Hassan has stirred a controversy by questioning the ‘martyrdom’ of the soldiers fighting militancy.
Another official said that the PM’s visit was an indication of improved civil-military relationship.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 12th, 2013.
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Dear Sir. Please kindly do the following three things. 1) Announce new Army Chief 2) Announce new Chairman- Joint Chiefs of Staff 2) Please please pay a visit to the National Assembly and Senate and give policy statement of your government.
I did not vote for your party but you are our Prime Minister so please kindly lead us. Dont make it seem that my vote for another party was the right choice since you and your party are not capable of managing national affairs.