Supporting Army Act amendment to keep army non-controversial: Rana Sanaullah

LAHORE: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Rana Sanaullah on Thursday said the party had decided to cooperate with the federal government unconditionally to amend the Army Act for giving extension to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

He said the PML-N decided to support amendments so that the army as an institution and the office of COAS could be kept non-controversial. He said all party members, party office-holders and leaders would stand by the party decision and there was no difference of opinion on the matter. Rana Sana made the announcement after appearing before National Accountability Bureau, Lahore office inquiring against him about assets beyond means.

He appeared before NAB Combined Investigation Team, which also handed him over a questionnaire. The PML-N leader said the purpose of government’s move to amend the NAB ordinance was to protect culprits in Malam Jabba and Peshawar BRT cases. Sana said the government could not implement and pass the ordinance without the opposition support. The sticking point in NAB ordinance was bail matter and the 90 days remand. Without addressing these issues, amending the NAB ordinance was useless, Sana added. He said the government should have tabled an amended bill regarding NAB instead of implementing an amended ordinance.

About Nawaz Sharif's health, Rana said his health was still critical. He said in such circumstance, it is not possible for Maryam Nawaz to continue politics. Rana Sana said the PML-N had always cooperated with the investigation agencies and he would continue doing so in future.