Question:

How does Pakistan army react on wikileaks cables?

by Guest22222063 | 1 year, 5 month(s) ago

It was written in a news article that, The Pakistan army has pledged its support for the country's democratic government in an apparent attempt to defuse tensions raised by leaked US embassy cables that stated it might depose President Asif Ali Zardari. A March 12 2009 cable by former US ambassador to Pakistan Anne Patterson released by WikiLeaks last week revealed that the head of the army, General Ashfaq Kayani, considered pushing Zardari from office and forcing him into exile to resolve a political dispute. Referring to the cable today, army spokesman Major General Athar Abbas said: "The army has a demonstrated policy of supporting the political process within the confines of the constitution of Pakistan." Kayani aired the idea during a frantic round of meetings with Patterson in March 2009 as opposition leader Nawaz Sharif rallied thousands of supporters in a street movement that threatened to topple the government. The general said that while he disliked Zardari, he distrusted Sharif even more, and appeared to be angling for a solution that would prevent the opposition leader from coming to power. The cable illustrates the strong behind-the-scenes hand of Pakistan's military in civilian politics only six months after military ruler General Pervez Musharraf resigned. Now at this point, what do you think? will the army be able to resolve the political problems of Pakistan? I want to know the details about his wikileaks cable. Can someone tell me the details?

Tags: Army, cables, Pakistan, react, wikileaks

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Mitchel

Pakistan army thought of toppling the current political regime after this crisis was sparked by Zardari's attempt to bar Sharif from running for parliament and his refusal to reinstate the deposed chief justice, Iftikhar Chaudhry.

As a powerful protest movement of opposition supporters and lawyers grew in Sharif's stronghold of Lahore, western diplomats scrambled to defuse the situation with Kayani's help.

During his fourth meeting with Patterson in less than a week the taciturn army chief "hinted that he might, however reluctantly, have to persuade President Zardari to resign if the situation sharply deteriorates".

The military has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 63-year history. Even during civilian rule it dominates the US ally's security and foreign policy.

Kayani is a low-profile military man said to be well regarded by his US counterparts. He is a shrewd political operator, working behind the scenes to head off political instability.

The army chief made it clear at the time that he hoped the US could resolve the crisis through negotiation because he did not want Sharif in power.

Report (0) (0) | 1 year, 3 month(s) ago