PML-N clarifies: Not seeking accountability of ex-Army Chiefs

LAHORE: Amid apparent uncertainty surrounding the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s (PML-N) narrative for the upcoming elections, a close associate of PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif has stated that the party is not pressing for the accountability of former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and former ISI head Gen Faiz Hamid.

According to Dawn.com, the declaration comes at a time when reports from London suggest that Nawaz Sharif may be reconsidering his stance on demanding accountability from former generals and judges.

Addressing a press conference at the party’s Model Town office on Tuesday, Javed Latif clarified, “We [PML-N] are not seeking accountability of Gen Bajwa and Gen Hamid. Instead, we are focusing solely on those individuals and collaborators involved in the events of May 9 and the unrest following PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest.” He was referring to the attacks on military installations during that period.

According to the reports, Latif’s statements have raised questions about the party’s consistent message, as he is known to be closely associated with the senior Sharif and had been vocal in demanding that former generals and judges be held accountable for allegedly conspiring against the Sharif government in 2017.

Read More: ‘Deal’ does not exist in Nawaz Sharif’s dictionary: Javed Latif

“While many in the PML-N believe that Gen Bajwa and Faiz Hamid played a significant role in Nawaz Sharif’s disqualification, we are not seeking any action against them,” added Mr. Latif.

Describing those who attacked military institutions on May 9 as “terrorists,” Mr Latif argued that they should not be allowed to participate in politics.

Furthermore, he mentioned that Sharif had advised against a grand reception upon his return on October 21, citing the nation’s current challenges. He added that Sharif would present a plan to strengthen Pakistan’s economy in his address at Minar-i-Pakistan.

This “softer stance” by Latif is being seen as a clear signal of the party leadership’s consideration of a new strategy following Nawaz Sharif’s recent criticisms of former generals and judges.

Meanwhile, PML-N senior leader Khurram Dastgir indirectly indicated that the party might move away from the “accountability narrative.” He remarked, “We tried [former] General Musharraf under Article 6, but the subsequent events are well-known. I believe we should not repeat this episode.”

Similarly, PML-N Punjab President Rana Sanaullah, who had previously referred to ex-generals as “national criminals” and called for action against them, appeared to exercise caution in further targeting them.

A senior PML-N leader from Punjab commented on Latif’s statements, suggesting that they were a “clear hint” that the party’s supreme leader had noticed the request of his younger brother and others to “avoid declaring war on former generals.”

On September 18, Nawaz Sharif strongly criticised former generals and chief justices, including Asif Khosa and Saqib Nisar, during a speech to the party’s ticket holders. His demand for strict accountability left many party members concerned about potential repercussions, prompting his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif to return to London within 48 hours of his arrival.

Reports indicated that some members of the Sharif family were attempting to persuade Nawaz Sharif to reconsider his strong stance on holding former generals and judges accountable.

In response to such reports, Mr Latif noted that Shehbaz Sharif could “only provide suggestions” to his brother, but once a decision was made, “everyone in the party had to follow it.”