Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday criticised former President Asif Ali Zardari for his tirade against the army, saying the PPP co-chairman’s speech was unacceptable in times of war.
“Criticising the army will only strengthen elements who want to destabilise Pakistan,” said the PM, adding that it was crucial that all parties to support the army at a time when it is fighting a war against militants.
“The army and soldiers are fighting Operation Zarb-e-Azb and the entire nation supports them,”
Holding a consultative meeting at the PM House to express concern over Zardari’s statements, the PM said, “Criticism against the armed forces is unacceptable.”
Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali had already slammed the PPP co-chairman’s speech, calling it ‘inappropriate and insulting’.
“He (Zardari) has tried to cover up his party’s shortcomings and weaknesses by targeting a national institution,” Nisar said in a statement hours after Zardari’s angry tirade.
Nisar said the PPP leader’s criticism of the security establishment was ‘uncalled for’ and it came at a time when army soldiers were sacrificing their lives for the country’s survival. “This style of politics is dangerous as well as condemnable,” he added.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zardari said that politicians were better suited to running the affairs of the country. “You are here for only three years,” he said in an apparent jab at the army chief.
Addressing an oath-taking ceremony for PPP office-bearers from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Zardari said, “I know the art of war better than anyone else.”
