The military will not pursue statements by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif post-National Security Council (NSC) meeting held on 14 May that resulted in a press release issued by the Prime Minister's office referring to "misconceptions' or "grievances" behind Nawaz Sharif's remarks.
This was stated by well-informed sources in the military to Business Recorder on condition of anonymity, who added that "the military has conveyed its message through NSC that no one will be allowed to hurt the interests of the country." "The situation has been defused and the military will not do anything violative of the constitution of Pakistan," sources further said.
"The military and civil leadership discussed Sharif's statement threadbare during the NSC and the statement issued after the meeting is quite clear that there will be no compromise on national security," the military sources added. "Now the matter is with the ruling political party," these sources further stated and added that "the army wanted general elections to be held as per schedule".
Brigadier Syed Masud ul Hassan (retd), Secretary General Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Association while talking to Business Recorder said that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharrif somehow managed to sell his narrative to the public after he was disqualified by the apex court but his recent statement has not only damaged the country but has also weakened his own party.
He contended that PML-N MNAs and MPAs have begun to leave the party and 'it is expected that PML-N would not be able to get more than 30 seats in general elections'. Defence Analyst Khalid Muhammad concurred and added that Nawaz Sharif wants to become a political victim which, he argues erroneously, may resurrect his political career at some point in future.