PM Nawaz, army chief agree to resolve crisis ‘expeditiously’

Due to the continuing sit-ins on Constitution Avenue, the army chief had to use a helicopter to reach the PM House.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief General Raheel Sharif have agreed to ‘expeditiously’ resolve the ongoing political crisis triggered by the anti-government protest sit-ins of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) in the federal capital.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister Office, Gen Sharif called on the premier and both discussed the overall security environment, including the prevailing political situation. “There was a consensus on the need to resolve the ongoing issue expeditiously in the best national interest,” said the statement.

Due to the continuing sit-ins on the Constitution Avenue, the army chief had to use a helicopter to reach the Prime Minister House. Sources familiar with the meeting said that the prime minister briefed the army chief about his government’s efforts for a political solution to the stalemate with PTI chairman Imran Khan and PAT leader Dr Tahirul-Qadri.

According to them, the army chief voiced his concerns over the persisting stalemate in talks between the government and the protesting parties. He reportedly said that an early solution to the issue was important to prevent the situation from worsening.

Premier Nawaz informed the army chief that the government had no intention to use force against the participants of the sit-ins while he also vowed to ensure the security of key state institutions.

On August 19, the army had issued a rare public statement on the political issue and urged both sides to resolve the issue through dialogue in the best national interest.

Insiders disclosed that the issue of the appointment of next chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) also came under discussion. The current spy chief, Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam, will relinquish the office after his retirement in October this year. A source disclosed that the appointment of new DG ISI is expected within the next few days.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2014.