Source says Gen Raheel discussed Panama Papers issue with PM Nawaz, PM’s spokesman says no discussion took place on Leaks
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and discussed efforts to improve security situation in the country, the prevailing political crisis and the combing operations launched by security forces across the country after the culmination of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
The two leaders expressed satisfaction over improved security in the country as well as in Afghanistan, with particular reference to the recovery of Ali Haider Gilani.
According to an informed source, the army chief discussed the Panama Papers issue with the prime minister during their meeting on Tuesday. However, a PM House spokesman denied that Gen Raheel had taken up the matter with Nawaz.
Irrespective of what was discussed between the two, the meeting itself was a major development in view of rising speculation that the relations between the army and the political government are under considerable strain since the release of the Panama Papers which implicated the prime minister’s family as having offshore holdings.
Meetings between the two were a common occurrence until a few months ago, but the two hadn’t met in 33 days before yesterday’s meeting.
“Issues pertaining to national security were discussed during the meeting,” PM Office’s media wing said, adding that the meeting expressed satisfaction over the improved security situation in the country and stressed upon the need for sustained efforts in this regard.
Sources claim that Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar have been instrumental in breaking the ice between the Prime Minister’s House and the General Headquarters. The younger Sharif held a meeting with General Raheel Sharif last week at Chaklala.
Earlier, General Raheel Sharif, in a veiled reference to Panama Papers on April 19, stressed an “across-the-board accountability” and uprooting corruption to ensure the prosperity, solidarity and integrity of Pakistan.
The army chief had also assured that armed forces of the country will fully support every meaningful effort in that direction to ensure a better future for next generations.
The meeting comes as the government and the opposition organise massive rallies to garner public support for their respective stances in the wake of Panama Papers.
While the premier formed a commission led by the chief justice of Pakistan to probe the leaks, the government and the opposition have disagreed on the Terms of Reference to be followed.
Panama leaks involved a massive leak of 11.5 million tax documents on April 3 which exposed secret offshore dealings of world leaders and celebrities, also naming three of the premier’s children for owning London real estate through offshore companies.
In vibrant democracy army chief has no business to advice or instruct duly elected PM in non military matters. With thriving Military chiefs flexing their muscles in civil matter for more than 50 years, Pakistan is proving itself as Soft State.
Just shut up Kini.
This may the beginning of an end if martial law is imposed. This will be the last martial law of Pakistan. Pakistan's break up is imminent with next martial law.
You too Anonymous.
Sixty years of political chaos, turmoil, insecurity, self-imposed or forced exile, terrorism, kidnapping , corruption at all levels and above lack of proper system has made the financial world insecure, frightened. Due to these factors the Dubai and off-shore places are flourished with illegal or legal money from Pakistan and that has drained our resources badly needed for this poor nation. Room is burning and Nero is tuning is flute as ever. Our mass media, political elite and many more are busy in increasing their ratings. We need solid steps to get this money back to invest in Pakistan rather than make the finance world more insecure.There is no use of making the crisis more alarming. Have a big heart, sit down and come to a more solid solution to the problem. Forget about legal or illegal ways the money has gone. We need acceptable laws of the land where no one dare to off-shore our resources but love to invest back to Pakistan.
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