November 17, 2022
3 mins read

Pak FM slams ‘national obsession’ over Army chief appointment

Bilawal reiterated that any decision on these lines would reflect the government’s resolve to stick with the Constitution…reports Asian Lite News

Terming the gossip, debate and speculation over the upcoming appointment of the chief of army staff “unfortunate”, Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari has warned that “the national obsession with this particular office would not contribute to the stability of our democracy, nor would it help the nation to grow”, the media reported.

Talking to reporters after attending a ceremony at the Dow University of Health Sciences’ (DUHS) Ojha Campus, Bhutto-Zardari was quite upfront with his views, even criticising leaders from the ruling coalition who were constantly discussing the army chief’s appointment in the public domain and on national media, Dawn reported.

“It’s so unfortunate that for a quite long time, this appointment of COAS is being discussed,” he said to a question about the recent remarks of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s “consultation” over the choice of the new chief.

“We are witnessing totally unnecessary politics on this subject. Whether these people are in the ruling parties or in the opposition, we should not do this. We should keep our national interest as our priority. His (Imran Khan) politics actually revolve around this issue (COAS appointment), and let me say that until our politics don’t come out of this subject, our democracy will not get stronger and we won’t grow as a nation.”

He reiterated that any decision on these lines would reflect the government’s resolve to stick with the Constitution, Dawn reported.

Imran takes a step back

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan said on Wednesday that the party has taken a step back on the issue of the army chief’s appointment, media reports said.

The former Premier made the comments while in conversation with senior journalists at his residence in Lahore, the Express Tribune reported.

He also said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif wants an army chief of his choice to be appointed, “who will take care of his cases”.

He added that no army chief will ever go against the institution, state or the people, Express Tribune reported.

Regarding the allegations in the Toshakhana case – after a Dubai-based businessperson claimed in an interview to a private TV channel that he had bought some of the state’s gifts from Farah Gogi and Shahzad Akbar, the deposed Prime Minister said that he will file a case against the relevant persons in Dubai, London, and Pakistan.

Imran Khan also said that the gifts sold in the Toshakhana case were sold in Islamabad, adding that receipts and dates were in the government’s treasury and that the case will be over once evidence is presented, Express Tribune reported.

Talking about relations with the US, the PTI Chairman said that he does not want a fight with the US and wants positive and better relations.

He reiterated that his statement on the “foreign conspiracy narrative” was misrepresented.

He also maintained that a country that does not have rule of law will never progress, adding that only implementation of rule of law could make a nation ‘free’.

About talks with the government, the PTI chief said that the party was being approached for negotiations, but “we have asked them to announce the date of elections”.

ALSO READ: Imran wants US to have a dignified relationship with Pakistan

Previous Story

Explosions rock Nepal ahead of polls

Next Story

Sharif says terrorism is Pakistan’s foremost problem

Latest from -Top News

Sisi, MBZ cement ties

UAE and Egypt bolster ties through high-level talks in Abu Dhabi and a landmark cardiac care initiative delivering lifesaving treatment to rural communities The United Arab Emirates and Egypt reaffirmed their strong

‘UAE leads global fight against plastic waste’

UAE accelerates its fight against plastic pollution with a bold single-use plastic ban and expanded environmental policies to safeguard natural ecosystems for future generations The United Arab Emirates continues to lead the

70,000 Gaza kids starve

WFP warned that any further escalation of conflict could paralyse relief operations altogether, deepening the plight of civilians—especially children, the elderly, and vulnerable groups As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifies, the

Prayers on the Mount

The Day of Arafat, considered the pinnacle of the Hajj pilgrimage, witnessed a congregation of believers from around the world As the sun blazed overhead and temperatures climbed to a sweltering 41°C,

EID MUBARAK!

UAE marks Eid Al Adha with housing support, children’s gifts, pardons, and cultural celebrations, reflecting a national spirit of compassion, unity, and shared community values Across the UAE, Eid Al Adha is
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Pakistan hikes fuel prices

With today’s hike, petroleum will now cost Rs249.80 per litre…reports

Turkey again gets Pak invite to join CPEC

Sharif had extended an invitation to Turkey to join CPEC