ISLAMABAD:
Former President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari’s tirade against the military evoked strong criticism and condemnation from all major political parties on Wednesday, with some even describing it as a ‘blackmailing tactic’ and others calling upon the PPP co-chairman to apologise to the nation, according to reports.
Ghulam Sarwar Khan of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaaf claimed that PPP’s downfall had begun. He further added that he saw no difference between Zardari and India’s Prime Minister (who had recently accused Pakistan of terrorism in India).
While speaking in the National Assembly, Sarwar Khan lamented the PPP Co-Chairman’s remarks which came at a time when the army is engaged in a fight for the country’s survival, according to sources.
Minister for Climate Change Mushahidullah Khan said the Pakistan Army and other law-enforcement agencies (LEAs) were being targeted at a time when they were fighting terrorism. “This is very dangerous. Corrupt people will not be allowed to take the country hostage.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Rana Muhammad Afzal called upon Zardari to withdraw his anti-army remarks. “The statement of Asif Zardari against the army is very painful. Such a statement should not have come from a leader who is known for tolerance and reconciliation,” Afzal told lawmakers in the National Assembly.
Responding to the condemning, PPP MNA Aijaz Jakhrani said that Zardari’s statement should be seen in a particular ‘scenario’. He claimed that Zardari was forced to say such things, reportedly.