The leaders of allied parties of the federal government have reposed trust in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the appointment of a new army chief, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
The prime minister convened a meeting of coalition partners to take them into confidence on the matter. Former president Asif Ali Zardari, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, PML-Q chief Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of MQM-P, Khurram Dastgir, Khalid Magsi of Balochistan Awami Party and other coalition partners attended the meeting at the Prime Minister’s House.
According to sources, former president Asif Ali Zardari said that Shehbaz Sharif is the prime minister and as per the constitution, he has the authority to take this decision.
“You are the prime minister and the constitution has assigned this authority and privilege to you,” Asif Ali Zardari said.
“The Almighty has placed you in this position, it is your constitutional right,” Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said.
“Whatever you decide, we stand by you,” Khalid Magsi said.
“Mian Sahib, we stand with you in every decision, FM Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said.
“You have full confidence, you have a constitutional right, you consulted us, thank you,” Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said.
“Whatever decision the Prime Minister takes, JUI stands with you and supports you,” Maulana Fazlur Rehman said.
“You have the authority to make important appointments and you alone are authorised to do so, we are with you,” Mohsin Dawar said.
“The power is yours, you trust us, we trust you completely,” Aftab Sherpao said.
“The constitution has given you responsibility, we support your decisions, consulting is a manifestation of your democratic thinking, Shahzain Bugti said
“The confidence of all parties is a source of pride for us,” Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
PPP leader Qamar Zaman Kaira told the media that the meeting of the coalition parties had a one-point agenda - military appointments.
He added: “Whatever decision the prime minister takes, we are with him. Asif Zardari has also given full assurance. The prime minister has this right, we are with him. The prime minister has established a new tradition by consulting the coalition partners.
“The PM has the constitutional authority to take his own decision, but he took a good decision after consultation. Asif Ali Zardari also said that you have complete authority. All the allies have given authority to the prime minister and asked him to take the decision.”
Later, the PMO Media Wing said in a press release that the federal government coalition partners in a meeting on one-point agenda entrusted the prime minister to take decisions on the matter of constitutional appointments.
The prime minister expressed his gratitude to the allies for reiterating their support and reposing trust in him.