Former premier Imran Khan lashed out at the Sharif brothers, questioning how Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif could consult with a convict on the appointment of the new army chief.

"This is a violation of the Official Secrets Act. We will consult our lawyers [...] How can he consult with an absconder and a convict regarding such an important decision."

He questioned whether Nawaz Sharif, who was in London, would be allowed to take decisions about the country's future. "Does he have any stake in Pakistan? His children are sitting abroad [...] will this man decide about holding elections?"

He said that Nawaz would never take decisions in Pakistan's interests and would just think about protecting his own.