PAKISTAN Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan Sunday said former President Asif Ali Zardari and former premier Nawaz Sharif fear a strong and patriotic army chief, who could hold them accountable for the looted money they had stashed abroad.
Addressing a public meeting here, he said a new army chief was going to be appointed in November this year, and they jointly wanted to appoint a favourite as the next army chief.
Pakistan is passing through a difficult period because of economic vulnerabilities, the situation created by rains and floods and regional and global alignments that have a bearing on the security interests of the country.
It was in this backdrop that President Dr. Arif Alvi made an impassioned appeal to all political parties not to make institutions controversial and to focus on the national economy.
His appeal also makes sense in view of the prolonged flood situation, which warrants rigorous efforts on the part of both federal and provincial governments as well as other segments of the society to help mitigate sufferings of the affected people.
The remarks of the PTI leader about appointment of the new Army Chief were uncalled for as there was no word from the Government about the issue.
Otherwise too, there is a set procedure for making top level appointments in the armed forces, which is followed when the process for the purpose is initiated by the relevant offices.
No one should doubt the integrity and patriotism of any of those supposed to be in the run for the coveted slot as all of them got promotions on the basis of their impeccable record, services, experience and professionalism.
It would also be unfair to pre-judge and make the appointment controversial for petty political objectives.
