ISLAMABAD: The coalition parties in the government extended their full support to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint new army chief and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee.
PM Shehbaz held a consultative meeting with leaders of coalition parties on Wednesday night dinner with one point agenda.
Former President and PPP Co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari extended his support to the Prime Minister and said: “You are the PM and the Constitution has granted you this authority and privilege.”
PML-Q’s supremo Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said that the PM’s has “constitutional right” to appoint army chief.
JUI-F’s chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman also offered his support to the premier and gave him free hand to make decision.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of the PML-N said that it was a matter of pride for the party that the premier had full support from coalition partners.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said: “Mian sahib, we stand with you in every decision.”
MQM leader Khalid Mqabool Siddiqui too supported the premier and appreciated his gesture of consulting coalition partners over the appointment of army chief.
Dr Khalid Magsi of the Balochistan Awami Party said that whatever decision the prime minister takes, he “firmly” stands with him.
Aslam Bhootani, an independent coalition partner from Balochistan, told PM Shehbaz that he endorses his decision.
The National Democratic Front leader Mohsin Dawar said that the prime minister is authorised to appoint COAS and CJCSC.
Qaumi Watan Party’s Aftab Khan Sherpao and Minister for Narcotics Control Shahzain Bugti both entrusted their confidence in the prime minister.
“The Constitution gives you the responsibility. We support and endorse your decisions,” Bugti said during the meeting.
