KARACHI: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Friday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government had not focused on launching an operation in North Waziristan during its tenure because former army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani wanted the decision to be his alone, DawnNews reported.

Gilani's statement on the matter comes days after Major General (retd) Athar Abbas disclosed that Kayani was reluctant to launch a military operation in North Waziristan.

The revelations come weeks after the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered Zarb-i-Azb to rid the tribal region of local and foreign militants.


Also read: ‘Kayani was reluctant to launch North Waziristan operation’


Addressing a press conference at a media cell in Bilawal House, the former premier said that the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz’s stance on and treatment of Musharraf was not appropriate.

He also claimed that the PPP had held talks with the establishment to remove the former military ruler from power.

Gilani claimed that during the negotiations, the former army strongman had been guaranteed a safe passage in exchange for tendering his resignation from the president's office.

He reiterated that the PPP had adhered to the reconciliation policy of assassinated former premier Benazir Bhutto, adding that it would not become party to those seeking to undermine democracy in the present scenario.

He said the PPP had endeavoured to strengthen the Parliament, adding that only then would the country’s institutions be strengthened.

Gilani also said that the PPP had restored the Constitution to its original form.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.