- Former president Asif Ali Zardari had claimed elements “who had formulas like minus-one” were asking for his help.
- Though Zardari did not name anyone, it was obvious he was referring to military establishment, says news report.
- Credible source expresses resentment that statements and hints about “deals” [with the establishment] are given every now and then.
ISLAMABAD: Asif Ali Zardari should reveal the person who had reached out to him on the establishment’s behalf to ask for help for a future setup, said a credible source within the defence, The News reported Wednesday.
PPP co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari had claimed that elements “who had formulas like minus-one” were asking for his help for a future setup. Though the former president did not name the military establishment, it was obvious from the former president’s indirect reference given in his statement, the news report stated.
The source, holding an important position, expressed resentment that statements and hints about “deals” [with the establishment] are given every now and then, calling it both unfortunate and irresponsible.
“If Zardari is truthful, he should name the person who had contacted him and sought his help,” the publication quoted source as saying.
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The source said that the defence officials have no desire to engage in any “unnecessary” debate with politicians who are furnishing odd statements with no solid grounds.
The source said there is a general trend of blaming the military establishment for every matter. People often talk about “deals” with the establishment but never name those who are approaching them or with whom they are making the “deals”.
This trend of alleging the establishment without naming the person(s) involved should be discouraged and brought to an end, the source added.
Referring to the repeated allegations of “having received telephone calls” by leaders and MPs particularly of the opposition parties in matters relating to legislation and voting, the source said even in these cases the politicians should name those who are contacting them.
On Monday, Zardari, without naming anyone, had claimed of having told certain quarters that no talks were possible till the government was sent packing. Zardari said that he had stated in his first speech in Parliament after the 2018 elections that this “hotchpotch” of a government would not deliver.
