Kayani wanted NWA operation to be his call: Gilani

Kayani wanted NWA operation to be his call: Gilan by dawn-news KARACHI: Former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said Friday that Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government had not focused on launching an operation in North Waziristan during its tenure because former army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani wanted the decision to be his alone, DawnNews reported. Gilani's statement on the matter comes days after Major General (retd) Athar Abbas disclosed that Kayani was reluctant to launch a military operation in North Waziristan. The revelations come weeks after the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered Zarb-i-Azb to rid the tribal region of local and foreign militants. Addressing a press conference at a media cell in Bilawal House, the former premier said that the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz’s stance on and treatment of Musharraf was not appropriate. He also claimed that the PPP had held talks with the establishment to remove the former military ruler from power. Gilani claimed that during the negotiations, the former army strongman had been guaranteed a safe passage in exchange for tendering his resignation from the president's office. He reiterated that the PPP had adhered to the reconciliation policy of assassinated former premier Benazir Bhutto, adding that it would not become party to those seeking to undermine democracy in the present scenario. He said the PPP had endeavoured to strengthen the Parliament, adding that only then would the country’s institutions be strengthened. Gilani also said that the PPP had restored the Constitution to its original form.