KARACHI: Former president and co-chairman of PPP Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday stunned his admirers and critics alike when he termed the decision of Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif of not taking an extension in service ‘premature’.

The Tuesday’s statement of Mr Zardari is contrary to his earlier response to Gen Sharif’s announcement of his retirement plan a month ago in which he hailed his decision.

In his currency statement, the former president stressed the need for continuity in the military leadership, saying that the country was passing through a difficult phase and continuity in leadership and army’s resolute struggle guaranteed security of the country. “Our party considers Gen Raheel’s decision premature which can turn people’s hopes into disappointment.”

Mr Zardari’s statement sparked debates on private TV channels. Critics called it a volte-face to his January’s statement in which he hailed Gen Sharif’s decision.

Mr Zardari’s offices in Islamabad and Karachi said the statement was not issued by them.

The PPP co-chairman opposed military’s role in political affairs and accountability. He said the decision regarding extension in the service of the army chief should be taken in the greater national interest and by keeping in view circumstances and aspirations of the people.

“We should never give the impression that our nation does not acknowledge sacrifices of its brave officers and soldiers who helped improve law and order situation in the country. Pakistan has achieved significant successes in the war against terrorism”, he said.

He expressed the hope that in the fearless and considerate leadership of Gen Sharif Pakistan’s struggle to root out terrorism would soon attain a logical end.

He said the PPP had joined hands with the government in shaping up the national strategy at a multi-parties conference under which the army began the Zarb-i-Azb military operation and accomplished great successes by undertaking effective actions in the battle against terrorism.

He urged political parties to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces to uproot terrorism.

The former president said Taliban, militant organisations and separatist groups were destabilising the country with the help of external forces.

He lauded the armed forces for successful operation in Balochistan and credited it for elimination of organised crime in Karachi and tightening the noose on abettors and facilitators of criminals across the country.

“The entire nation is proud of Pakistan armed forces for their outstanding role in ensuring the country’s security and stability.”

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2016