Nawaz Sharif’s note represents a significant inconsistency in his narrative concerning the pursuit of accountability for the former Chief of Army Staff and others who allegedly conspired against his government in 2017.
In January 2020, Nawaz Sharif’s private communication to Khawaja Asif regarding the extension of former Army Chief General (R) Qamar Javed Bajwa presents a significant contradiction in his narrative. This contradiction arises from his simultaneous pursuit of accountability against the ex-Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and others, whom he accuses of conspiring against his government in 2017.
In January 2020, the PMLN, led by Nawaz Sharif, wholeheartedly endorsed the legislation proposed by the PTI government, which granted a three-year extension to General Bajwa. Nawaz Sharif had given his approval for this move. However, he now demands accountability for General Bajwa, former DG ISI General Faiz, former Chief Justices Saqib Nisar and Asif Saeed Khosa, as well as Justice Ijazul Ahsan, for allegedly orchestrating the downfall of his government to pave the way for the Imran Khan government.
This raises questions about how Nawaz Sharif, as the PMLN chief, can advocate for exposing the 2017 conspiracy when, in 2020, he and his party played a role in granting a three-year extension to the former Army Chief.
In early January 2020, Nawaz Sharif sent a “confidential” note to Khawaja Asif, expressing the PMLN’s willingness to consider the PTI government’s bill positively for the sake of stability in the country. Nawaz Sharif emphasized that the legislation should not be rushed and should follow proper parliamentary procedures. The PMLN later fully endorsed this legislation.
Nawaz Sharif’s note stated: “Dear Khawaja Sb, I hope you are well. I received your message that the Govt has agreed to extend the time by 24 hours. It is not in the interest of any party to show undue haste or to bulldoze the rules and procedures…The political fallout for all parties will be substantial if parliamentary norms are not properly observed. Please hold the parliamentary party meeting before the government tables the bill tomorrow and read out and issue these instructions to all honorable party members in the NA and Senate. Kind regards, Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.”
After receiving Nawaz Sharif’s approval, the PMLN party convened a meeting and announced their unconditional support for General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s three-year extension as the Chief of Army Staff.
This decision was based on the PMLN’s desire to avoid controversy surrounding the position of the Army Chief and to support the government in amending the Army Act.
Comments
Post a Comment