London: It was learned on Thursday that the political turmoil in London could not choose the successor of Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
However, it was decided in the meeting that the government will not come under pressure from any quarters regarding the new army chief including PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif along with Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and others who are in London to seek “guidance” from PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif on important issues and developments, mainly discussed the appointment of the new army chief. , apart from analyzing recent statements by the army’s media wing, the government’s strategy to deal with PTI’s long march, among other things.
Meanwhile, the Sharif brothers reiterated that the PTI chief would not make any concessions regarding the demand for early elections or the date of the next polls. Garrison and march to the capital.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that the PML-N and the coalition leadership feel that Imran has exhausted all options but has not been able to garner support from the powers that be, saying that their frustration is due to his recent statements. appears from
A source revealed that the London huddle mainly considered the appointment of the new army chief but also considered PTI’s long march. When elections favor the incumbent government; What are the areas where it is lacking? And when the PML-N supremo can return to Pakistan. “Above all, everything depends on the appointment of the army chief, which is the top agenda item,” the source said.
In an interview to a media outlet, the defense minister also confirmed that he was in London with the prime minister to seek guidance from the elder Sharif, adding that the new army chief would be named in a meeting on Thursday. could not be finalized but there is hope. That matters in this regard will be settled soon.
Earlier, Asif reminded that the briefing for the new army chief had been moved after November 18, adding that there was still a week left and hoped that matters would be completed in a timely and smooth manner. will go.
PML-N sources revealed that the government was clear in its mind that it wanted a stable relationship with the establishment, adding that the plan was to achieve “reverse engineering” and appoint a military chief, who would lead the government. Do not force early elections. .
Sources said that “consenting to snap polls or giving a date for early elections would amount to political suicide”.
As surprising as it sounds, the source said, neither the government nor the establishment can afford elections now or anytime soon considering the devastating economic situation and floods in the country.
“Things will not be settled until the appointment of a new army chief,” sources admitted, adding that the prime minister’s sudden departure to the UK was in line with the emerging situation, especially after the army chief’s farewell meetings began.
PML-N sources say that the current government is looking for a military chief who can help smooth things over with the establishment, continue the current momentum between the two sides, and prevent early elections on the government. So don’t resort to pressure. Political death in any form was acceptable rather than a ruling coalition, political compromise.
He said that the top leadership of Sharif and his allies are mindful that the basic relationship between the PTI chief and the establishment is not going to change soon, especially with the spy chief’s press conference and the series. After Imran’s accusations against an army officer. With firing at a PTI rally in Wazirabad.
Muslim League (N) sources say that the London huddle concluded that Imran’s allegations against the prime minister, interior minister and an army officer were “nothing more than a political stunt”.
Sources said that a “long or short march” would not change the government’s mind as they could not afford to hold elections yet after “burning their political capital”.
No Exception for PTI.
The PML-N and its allies have decided that the government will not give the PTI a victory – not even a victory – in the upcoming general elections, no matter where things go from here. Saying that confrontation is appropriate for the ruling coalition instead of compromise.
“Neither the government will agree to early polls nor will it agree to give any date for early polls, no matter how PTI tries to put pressure on the government. This is final,” London said. A source familiar with the development said.
The sources of Muslim League (N) say that yesterday, the party supremo’s tweet to prevent Prime Minister Shehbaz from joining the talks and to give face-saving to the PTI chief regarding his long march was also a meeting. I was confirmed.
Sources said that the London meeting once again assessed that a compromise on elections was not suitable for the ruling coalition, adding that the government and its allies were already clear on the political situation but since the situation was changing rapidly, so the big leaders emphasized it. Once gathered in London to discuss a “strategic maneuver”.
