Ex-Army Chief Qamar Bajwa Warns Nawaz Sharif Against Anti-Establishment Narrative
Islamabad, October 3, 2023 - Former army chief General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa has warned former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against launching an anti-establishment narrative.
In a meeting with journalist Shahid Meto, Bajwa said that if Sharif continues to criticize the military, it will put pressure on the current army chief, General Asim Bajwa.
"Civilians don't understand that the army will never compromise on its former chief," Bajwa said. "Civilians keep making the same mistake over and over again. They need to understand that the army will not tolerate any criticism of its former chief."
Sharif has been critical of the military since he was ousted from power in 2017. He has accused the military of interfering in politics and engineering his ouster.
Bajwa said that if Sharif continues to criticize the military, it will alienate him from the army's supporters. He also said that it will force the army to change its policy towards Sharif and his party, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
"Sharif needs to understand that the army will not tolerate any criticism of its former chief," Bajwa said. "If he continues to do so, he will face severe opposition from the army."
Sharif's spokesman, Mohammad Zubair, dismissed Bajwa's warning. He said that Sharif is a democratic leader who is committed to the rule of law.
"Sharif has always respected the army," Zubair said. "He will continue to do so, but he will also speak out against any wrongdoing by the military."
The warning from Bajwa is a sign of the growing tension between the military and the PML-N. It remains to be seen whether Sharif will heed Bajwa's warning or continue to criticize the military.
Analysis
Bajwa's warning is a clear indication that the military is not happy with Sharif's anti-establishment rhetoric. The military has traditionally played a powerful role in Pakistani politics, and it is unlikely to tolerate any criticism from a former prime minister.
Sharif's decision to continue criticizing the military could have serious consequences for his political career. It could alienate him from the army's supporters, and it could force the military to change its policy towards the PML-N.
It remains to be seen whether Sharif will heed Bajwa's warning or continue to criticize the military. However, the warning is a sign that the tension between the military and the PML-N is likely to continue in the coming months.
Conclusion
In conclusion, General (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa's warning to Nawaz Sharif against launching an anti-establishment narrative is a sign of the growing tension between the military and the PML-N. It remains to be seen whether Sharif will heed Bajwa's warning or continue to criticize the military. However, the warning is a sign that the tension between the military and the PML-N is likely to continue in the coming months.