Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani met the Prime Minister-in-waiting Nawaz Sharif here at Model Town residence of Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday and discussed matters pertaining to security and defence of the country. Views were also exchanged on foreign policy and Pakistan's internal security issues, sources said. General Kayani also briefed the PM-in-waiting about internal and external threats besides the regional situation, the sources claimed.

PML-N senior leader Shahbaz Sharif was also present on the occasion. Kayani also had lunch with the Sharif brothers after the meeting, which continued for about an hour. A PML-N press release says security and other issues of national interest along with the situation in the region were discussed during the meeting between the PML-N head and CoAS. The sources claimed that the PML-N Chief appreciated the role of the army in strengthening democracy and providing security during the May 11 elections.

"Nawaz hoped that the democratic process would continue in the same manner which will help strengthen the institutions in the country," the sources said while quoting the PML-N chief as having said. The sources claimed that meeting between the CoAS and Nawaz Sharif was held in a cordial atmosphere which would show positive impact in days ahead. Political observers believe that this meeting is a positive signal ahead of a new journey by political and military leadership in the wake of manifold challenges posed to the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2013