Lahore: Pakistan`s Army generals should
refrain from meddling in politics as the country has suffered
due to their interference in the past, main opposition PML-N
chief Nawaz Sharif said Monday.
"We think it is not proper when generals get involved in
politics because the country has suffered the consequences in
the past," the former premier said while interacting with
journalists after meeting the widow of an Army officer here.
The image and prestige of the Army will be strengthened if
it confines itself to its responsibilities, including the
defence of the country, he said.
Sharif said if his government had not been deposed by the
military in 1999, extremism and terrorism would not have
increased.
The toppling of the democratic government triggered
terrorism, he said.
Sharif pointed out there were no suicide attacks in
Pakistan in 1997, when he was in power.
Sharif refused to respond to questions on whether
Inter-Services Intelligence chief Lt Gen Ahmed Shuja Pasha,
who is set to retire on March 18, should be given an
extension.
He said only a political party that is committed to the
country would be able to overcome the challenges facing
Pakistan.
"When there is commitment to the country and an honest,
competent and capable leadership that is aware of the
country`s sovereignty... that party can get Pakistan out of
its problems," he said.
PTI
