KARACHI: Former president Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday said the announcement not to take extension in service by General Raheel Sharif was ‘premature’, despite the fact that he hailed the same decision nearly a month ago, IBC News reported.
The incumbent army chief on January 25 had said that he does not ‘believe in extension and will retire on due date’. The decision was hailed by Asif Ali Zardari in hours to follow.
But, today’s statement by the co-chairman of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stunned political circles after 28 days of his earlier assertion.
“As the country is through a sensitive phase, PPP considers Gen Sharif’s decision premature,” Zardari said in a statement. “The decision can transform people’s hopes into disappointment, while it may also give a negative perception.”
He went on to say that it is not adequate to search for military’s role in political affairs, accountability and other matters, suggesting nation and media not to spread such speculations.
