“Military Establishment Confident in Shahbaz Sharif’s Leadership Despite Political Divisions”

Islamabad:Senior journalist Ansar Abbasi has claimed that under the leadership of the Army Chief, the current military establishment holds complete confidence in Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s performance, work ethic, and administrative capabilities. Abbasi reported that a senior source praised Shahbaz Sharif as “exceptional,” noting that his discipline, diplomatic caution, and understanding of Pakistan’s power dynamics had earned him the establishment’s trust.

Despite the ongoing political divides and severe economic challenges, sources indicate that the military establishment considers Shahbaz Sharif to be the most suitable person for the role of Chief Executive. This support is mutual, as Shahbaz Sharif has often acknowledged the military leadership’s professional expertise, discipline, and national vision, recognizing the army’s backing in addressing the country’s challenges.

According to reliable sources, Army Chief General Asim Munir has also privately praised Shahbaz Sharif’s performance as Prime Minister. This mutual respect and trust between civilian and military leadership is a rare sight in Pakistan’s political landscape, where historically, powerful institutions rarely place trust in each other.

While some quarters have suggested that Shahbaz Sharif has not fully met the military’s expectations, well-informed sources dismiss these claims as unfounded. Shahbaz Sharif has long been recognized as an active and effective administrator, who is seen as close to the establishment. Even former President General Pervez Musharraf, who had ousted Nawaz Sharif’s government, acknowledged Shahbaz Sharif’s administrative abilities.

It is believed that the same military establishment, which distanced itself from Nawaz Sharif during his tenure (2013–2017), now considers Shahbaz Sharif as its primary choice for governance. However, when Shahbaz Sharif announced his decision to stand by his brother, Nawaz Sharif, he was subsequently jailed. The military then shifted its support to Imran Khan, with results that are evident in the country’s current political climate.

This evolving dynamic reflects the complex nature of Pakistan’s political system, where civilian-military relations continue to play a significant role in shaping governance.