Pakistan Muslim League - N (PML-N) leader and former defence minister Khawaja Asif has admitted that his party is facing backlash from supporters for extending support to the amendments to Army Act. "Not only are we facing harsh criticism on social media but people are also abusing us," he said.
"The criticism that why we supported the government at this stage is valid and we are open to difference of opinion," he said, but added that the party would support the legislation regardless of the criticism. He went on to say that this criticism might continue till the next elections as the party supporters are disappointed with the decision.
While talking to Shahzeb Khanzada on Geo News, he said that the leadership had issued clear instructions to the PMLN leaders to support the legislation pertaining to COAS Bajwa's extension. He added that the PMLN's decision not to oppose the legislation is justified because under the legislation, the authority to grant extension remains with the prime minister. "The duration of extension is being debated for the first time, and the PM can no longer give unlimited extension to the army chiefs," he said in defence of the PML-N's decision.
The PMLN leader confirmed that the issue was raised with Nawaz Sharif in London who said that the legislation must be endorsed and party shouldn't oppose it.
"The criticism that why we supported the government at this stage is valid and we are open to difference of opinion," he said, but added that the party would support the legislation regardless of the criticism. He went on to say that this criticism might continue till the next elections as the party supporters are disappointed with the decision.
While talking to Shahzeb Khanzada on Geo News, he said that the leadership had issued clear instructions to the PMLN leaders to support the legislation pertaining to COAS Bajwa's extension. He added that the PMLN's decision not to oppose the legislation is justified because under the legislation, the authority to grant extension remains with the prime minister. "The duration of extension is being debated for the first time, and the PM can no longer give unlimited extension to the army chiefs," he said in defence of the PML-N's decision.
The PMLN leader confirmed that the issue was raised with Nawaz Sharif in London who said that the legislation must be endorsed and party shouldn't oppose it.