Veiled snub by Pakistan military upsets Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is feeling the heat after the Army Chief hinted at bad governance, close aides said. Army Chief Raheel Sharif on Tuesday underlined “the need for matching/complimentary governance initiatives for long term gains of operation and enduring peace across the country”. According to a military statement — issued after a corps commander meeting — the top General acknowledged the nation’s support in the ongoing operations to eliminate terrorism.

The military statement was not a welcome sign for the civilian government as they tried to clarify their position regarding the war on terror. The government said it was committed to implementing the National Action Plan and all other initiatives to bring about a positive change in the life of the common man.

“However, it is to be noted that the implementation of the NAP is a shared responsibility and all institutions have to play their role within the ambit of the Constitution,” a government spokesman said.

He claimed the decisive action taken by the government against extremism and terrorism over the past two years has been widely acknowledged.

A close aide of the Prime Minister said the Prime Minister was upset and was trying to give the “benefit of doubt” to the top General.

Gen. Sharif will visit Washington from November 16 to 19 to meet top US defence officials. His visit comes after the October 22 meeting between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Barrack Obama.

Media reports on Friday said that Pakistan will not discuss the issue of its nuclear weapons in talks with American officials during Gen. Sharif’s US visit and will instead point to India’s “cold-start doctrine” to justify its nuclear status.