Army chief, DG ISI call on PM Nawaz ahead of India talks

E-Paper | July 28, 2026

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has included on the top of its agenda the issue of Indian interference in Pakistan, including that country's alleged support for terrorists activities in the upcoming talks with India that are scheduled to take place in New Delhi on August 23 and 24.

Following yesterday's in-depth consultations between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his close aides, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif and Director-General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar called on the premier on Tuesday at the Prime Minister House to discuss the upcoming visit of Adviser to the Prime Minister on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz to New Delhi.

Also read: PM okays agenda for talks with India

The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi.

During the meeting, the military leadership gave its input on the subject of alleged Indian interference and emphasised that Pakistan must present its view point on core issues during the talks in a forceful manner.

The meeting also decided to keep 'unprovoked' Indian firing at the Line of Control (LoC) and Working Boundary and the killing of Pakistani civilians on the agenda of the upcoming meetings in New Delhi.

Highly-placed sources confirmed that Pakistan will stress on laying out a counter-terrorism mechanism between the two countries during next week's talks.

Qatar armed forces chief calls on PM Nawaz

Chief of Staff Qatar Armed Forces Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen Al Ghanim with Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the PM House, Islamabad — PID

Chief of Staff Qatar Armed Forces Major General Ghanim bin Shaheen Al Ghanim called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Tuesday, said a statement issued by the PM House.

According to the statement, matters relating to bilateral relations were discussed in the meeting.

The prime minister emphasised the importance of Qatar in the region and expressed satisfaction that Pakistan has always had a close relationship with Qatar, the strong foundations of which have been laid by the leadership of the two countries, the handout issued by the PM House said.

The premier also stated his preference for bilateral relations to be strengthened further, especially in fields with a high potential of cooperation, such as defence and industry.

During his visit, the chief of Qatari armed forces also shared his desire for warm ties between the two countries to further grow in all fields of bilateral cooperation, the statement said.

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Shak

Aug 18, 2015 03:00pm

What talks?? Just a waste of time. We'll be talking about "talks" even after another 100 years.

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Haider Rehman

Aug 18, 2015 03:05pm

Yes. Cross border firing should be discussed. Innocent are killed on both sides

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Hindutavi Rakshas

Aug 18, 2015 03:10pm

waste of time.try to avoid these nsa level talks and emphasize more on exposing Indian terrorism in Pakistan in international level through UN.

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a patriot

Aug 18, 2015 03:18pm

i think its time to cut off all the diplomatic relationships with India. its waste of time to talk to any Indian. As far as Gulf countries are concerned , Pakistan should ask all the gulf countries to clarify their stance. And last but not least is that we should approach Israel and should develop diplomatic relationships with Israel. Why should we care for Arabs if they don't care about us.

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Timeto stopthis

Aug 18, 2015 03:33pm

@a patriot If you keep cutting off relations with everyone you won't have any friends left. Surely you dont want that.

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Bhiku Ram

Aug 18, 2015 03:43pm

Its interesting to note that Sartaj Aziz was not the part of the meeting - the one who is actually going to talk to the India NSA. Sharif telling Sharif what to tell Aziz to tell Doval. Is it not amply clear now that Army makes the policy for India, Aganistan and the US - civilians can not be trusted for that. It also reveals the real power centre - funny that there is no attempt to conceal that at all, out in open in national press.

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Harmony-1

Aug 18, 2015 03:51pm

@Shak - What was that nonsense that they shouldn't talk about security issues???

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Imran

Aug 18, 2015 03:51pm

@Bhiku Ram Atleast read the article properly before commenting whether Sartaj Aziz was part of the meeting or not.

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Afzal Mir

Aug 18, 2015 03:53pm

Waste of time. Our present political leadership is too week to present Pakistani case effectively. Nawaz Sharif's personal economic goals with India will not allow him to make a case for Pakistan. It is sad that we are depending upon people to present Pakistan's case who are not sincere to Pakistan. Army needs to be vigilant.

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ITOLDYOU

Aug 18, 2015 03:53pm

Seems the talks have already been sabotaged before they have begun, by this meeting.

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Feroz

Aug 18, 2015 03:55pm

Pakistan will have a better future if people put faith in their own abilities and empower their elected representatives to act keeping solely citizens interest in mind.

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a patriot

Aug 18, 2015 03:56pm

@Bhiku Ram "The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi." typical ignorant indian.

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Ahmed

Aug 18, 2015 03:57pm

@Bhiku Ram read the article properly. "The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi."

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Harmony-1

Aug 18, 2015 03:59pm

@Bhiku Ram - Why should we "conceal" our civilian and army cooperation on security issues affecting us and why is it "funny"?

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muhammad

Aug 18, 2015 04:02pm

@Timeto stopthis we don't need indian fake friendship. better we stay away from them at any cost.

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Taimoor Khan

Aug 18, 2015 04:04pm

Waste of time knowing fully well that the current Hindu fundamentalist regime in India is hell bend of taking this region into the inferno. On a separate note, what the finance minister is doing in meetings relating to security matters?

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Kamal Pasha

Aug 18, 2015 04:06pm

No talks with the Givernment of BJP India.

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Bittertruth

Aug 18, 2015 04:08pm

NS taking orders from COAS. Proves India right

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a patriot

Aug 18, 2015 04:18pm

@Timeto stopthis so u think India and Pakistan are friends. lolx. secondly its not about friendships it all about interests. if Arabs think that its time for them to move closer to India then its fine but we also have the right to make new "friends". And btw India was never a friend and will never be.

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Aug 18, 2015 04:21pm

@a patriot Do you think India would care if you break diplomatic relations? And what difference it would make? What is your constructive contribution ? India is the fastest growing economy. World will come to India.

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sana-1

Aug 18, 2015 04:23pm

Good that all of them are on the same platform..... But there is no avail of these talks with India, the language of love and peace is of no use with their current govt.

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Riaz

Aug 18, 2015 04:30pm

What is the role of prime minister's assistant in the meeting between the PM, COAS & DG ISI?

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Mohammad Dubai

Aug 18, 2015 04:31pm

@Bhiku Ram - Sartaj Aziz was in the meeting please read this. "The meeting was also attended by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, Sartaj Aziz and Prime Minister's Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi."

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Timeto stopthis

Aug 18, 2015 04:32pm

@Kamal Pasha The government represents the majority of Indians. The whole world is talking to India. Its your loss.

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Syed Zafar Kazmi

Aug 18, 2015 04:32pm

@Bhiku Ram Our armed forces are an integral part of our national defense; sure it does bother you a lot so much so that you miss to see what is so obvious in print i.e the presence of Sartaj Aziz and Tariq Fatimi.

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Timeto stopthis

Aug 18, 2015 04:37pm

@ITOLDYOU You are absolutely right. These talks will achieve nothing, just like the ones before.

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Timeto stopthis

Aug 18, 2015 04:38pm

@Harmony-1 Sadly it is not a civilian and army cooperation. It is the army dictating to the civilians.

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Fahad

Aug 18, 2015 04:42pm

Wondering how much of Modi's veiled speech in Dubai would impact the dialogue now.

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Imran Soomro

Aug 18, 2015 04:50pm

The army is right. We shouldn't be on defensive and submissive side. Rather put forth our case in a forceful manner but that should be done diplomatically. And unfortunately, we always disregard such a diplomacy and that is why today we have virtually lost directorship position at the newly formed Asia Infrastructure and Investment Bank (AIIB) because of slack diplomacy and lack of coordination. We must address these serious issues within our institutions so as to cash in on the diplomacy and statesmanship.

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Adnan Fayyaz

Aug 18, 2015 04:51pm

If the COAS is deciding what to talk about, and dictating to the elected representatives, then why have this elected Govt.?? Might as well let the Army rule..I dont understand who actually is in power. What is the Finance Minister doing in this meeting?? No wonder we are not able to state our case clearly..

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Vasudevan

Aug 18, 2015 04:59pm

I am confused because I see no talking (both sides) . If we all are going to play the same record over and over again why bother to meet. Both sides are inflexible in their positions. Why waste money ? We might as well pontificate from our homes

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Last Word

Aug 18, 2015 05:14pm

Well the whole world knows who dictates Pak foreign policy, but with this meeting it has been made public now.

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Taimoor Khan

Aug 18, 2015 05:19pm

That look on Gen Raheel face! Nawaz Shareef and his government needs to buckle up and act fast on issues relating to the security of Pakistan, its interests and global ambitions which does include dealing with this current Indian regime forcefully. There are no two ways about it.

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Zak

Aug 18, 2015 05:24pm

Talks already sabotaged even before it begins, with each person meeting the PM bringing his own agenda which cannot be realized.

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Jabeen

Aug 18, 2015 05:29pm

@a patriot bravo! Agree wholeheartedly.

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Harmony-1

Aug 18, 2015 05:49pm

@A Patriot@Jabeen - "It is easy to hate and it is difficult to love. This is how the whole scheme of things works. All good things are difficult to achieve; and bad things are very easy to get" - Confucius

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Zak Zak

Aug 18, 2015 05:49pm

Army knows these people come and go without addressing the major issues thats why they dont trust nawaz

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PEACE FOR ALL

Aug 18, 2015 05:56pm

first point in talks innocent life should be saved at least start with ending cross border firing immediately and than if anything else is positive is a plus in friendship

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a patriot

Aug 18, 2015 05:58pm

@Jabeen good to see a true patriotic Pakistani among a whole bunch of Indians.

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Dr Ahmad - Melbourne

Aug 18, 2015 06:04pm

One wonders why Indians are so concerned that who talk with who in Pakistan. It is non of their business. It is Pakistan PM talking and discussing different options with his Pakistan team which also include Pakistan army Chief. This is a normal democratic process and U.S. President does the same time to time.

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Aurora

Aug 18, 2015 06:11pm

@Imran Soomro : with a meg re 18 billion US $ foreign currency reserves you want to be director in AIIB ?

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SAIN TO SAIN

Aug 18, 2015 06:11pm

it might v useful talks between them, army and gov should also probe into the internal enemies and to isolate black sheep's, by the India's posted.

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bishan

Aug 18, 2015 06:13pm

It helps that the PM has deliberated with the military before the NSAs meeting. Hopefully they are on the same page. Then only can meaningful dialog with India take place.

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papuni

Aug 18, 2015 06:14pm

talks whith india is waste of time just action must to be ... kashmir referendum

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Aug 18, 2015 06:15pm

@Shak Don't be so pessimist as things are far better as compared to past 5-10 years. Though situation is not fully under control but result we are seeing after Start of Zarb-e-Azb are very encouraging.

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sana-1

Aug 18, 2015 06:16pm

@Timeto stopthis If army is dictating to civilians for india then we are happy that COAS did that....

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Taimurlang

Aug 18, 2015 06:23pm

@Ahmed thanks Mahmood bhai

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Mian

Aug 18, 2015 06:29pm

@a patriot well said. makes sense.

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Sonny Afridi

Aug 18, 2015 07:11pm

Cancel all talks with India and continue to respond to their terrorism in Kashmir with artillery

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Y Khan

Aug 18, 2015 07:18pm

Just to clarify the organizational structure of the GOP: Sartaj Aziz is NOT the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. The Prime Minister holds this portfolio and Sartaj Aziz is Advisor to the Foreign Minister. His inclusion in any meeting is at the pleasure of the Foreign Minster.

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Aug 18, 2015 07:50pm

Arabs are enemy of Islam who are responsible for worst situation and deaths of Palestinians Iraqi syrians and yeminis. UAE is encouraging idol worship. No one bother demolition of mosques.

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Third Party

Aug 18, 2015 07:56pm

There is no alternative to talk , even if it looks futile. There is no alternative to peace which can only happen through talks. Cross-border firing and terrorism never be a solution to any mankind !!!

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Iqbal USA

Aug 18, 2015 08:42pm

@Q Don't we Pakistanis call ourselves descendants of Arabs.

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jkumar

Aug 18, 2015 08:47pm

@a patriot On the contrary, as long as we are talking, we won't be thinking of war.

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Ijaz

Aug 18, 2015 08:58pm

To all those saying its a waste of time I say we must carry on talking even if there are no results. It is this process and only this process that will eventually lead to peace. Not talking is not an option for anyone

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East Indian

Aug 18, 2015 09:54pm

@Sonny Afridi : Not good. Talk should go on to show the world that India and Pakistan want peace, even though every body knows that nothing will come out of it. Both Indians and Pakistanis have developed the habit of living in animosity during last 69 years and they will continue to do so comfortably for next several thousand years like this. Let the world think that initiatives are there to bring peace.

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Concerned Citizen

Aug 18, 2015 10:42pm

General body language seems very interesting. He seems to be saying no matter what you have to say Mr. PM, I am not agreeing with it

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Syed Ali

Aug 19, 2015 12:04am

@Adnan Fayyaz You are exactly correct; regardless the sincerity of COAS you cannot run a hybrid government. In a important meeting to formulate agenda for discussions absence of Foreign minister and defense minister sends a wrong message regardless Pakistan has no foreign minister and a defense minister with no power. PM should ask COAS to accompany him.

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INDIAN LOVE

Aug 19, 2015 02:57am

There will be a positive 100% outcome through this talk as every one of us know Kashmir issue is totally absent in this bilateral NSA level talk . Good decision from prime minister . current pm of Pakistan can be Obama of Pakistan who tried to make friend Iran & Cuba whose American hate most. Good luck NS from whole Indian community.

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Ramesh Sharma

Aug 19, 2015 06:10am

@muhammad I agree

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Paper tiger

Aug 19, 2015 06:55am

@a patriot i agree with you we should really not worry to discuss about each other.. We should just stop even thinking about each other... Let's concentrate on first becoming worthy enough to talk something... India has miles to walk to make its mark as good country... Pakistan should decide about their own journey,,,,

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Mustafa haider

Aug 19, 2015 10:53am

@ITOLDYOU Nope dear. its shows that how much we care about the meeting and its agenda and all things should be discussed. If you have some issues with us then we have also :)

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Mustafa haider

Aug 19, 2015 01:00pm

Ceasefire violation of the border should also be discussed because its causing poor civilian death.

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Mustafa haider

Aug 19, 2015 01:13pm

This is what happens when elected government failed to address the problems of peoples and doesn't dare to talk with its opponent regarding Ceasefire violation,carry out the terrorist activities, etc. then definitely for the sake of Pakistan,Army have to involve in it.

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Burjor Rustomji.

Aug 20, 2015 05:13pm

The talks should be telecast live in both countries. DIN channel airs a programme on Sunday mornings live from Dehli and Islamabad. Everyone knows the result...

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Our Circus.

Aug 21, 2015 12:14pm

News about "talks" gets more coverage than the talks itself.

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