Zardari terms COAS decision against extension as premature

KARACHI: Co-chairman Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday described the decision of Army Chief General Raheel Sharif against taking extension in service at the current stage as premature, saying continuity in leadership and army’s resolute struggle guarantees protection and security of Pakistan.

In a statement issued here today, Asif Zardari said the announcement sparked debates and discussions on national media which are based merely on speculations and termed the same as an ‘exercise in futility’.

He, however, said when the time comes the political leadership must take the final decision in regard to the extension in service to COAS in the greater national interest by keeping in view the prevailing circumstances and aspirations of the people.

He said PPP joined hands with the government in shaping up the national strategy at an All Parties Conference under which the army began operation Zarb-e-Azb and accomplished great successes by undertaking effective actions in the battle against the scourge of terrorism.

He lauded the Pak Army for operation ‘Khyber One’ in Balochistan against the ‘enemies and terrorists’. He also credited the army for what he called the elimination of organized crime in Karachi and tightening the noose on the abettors and facilitators of criminals across the country, thus, breaking the backbone of terrorists.

Asif Zardari said the entire nation is proud of Pakistan armed forces for their outstanding role in ensuring the country’s security and stability. 

He said the whole nation and PPP stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in the great struggle towards purging the country of terrorism.

The statement from the PPP Co-chairman comes on the heels of reports in connection with a possibility of arrests of some high-profile personalities in the next few days in the backdrop of the ongoing investigation from Uzair Baloch – the detained leader of the banned People's Aman Committee (PAC).

Sources earlier today said that the Lyari gangster, who is in Rangers’ custody on a 90-day remand, has made some startling disclosures during investigation.

The sources further said that the Sindh Rangers have also summoned the dissident PPP leader Zulfiqar Mirza, who is said to have links with the leader of proscribed PAC leader when he was Sindh home minister.