Changing of the Guard

Islamabad October 8, 1998: two days after making the call for the establishment of a national security council in Pakistan, during a function at Navy War College in Lahore, the Chief

of Army Staff, Gen. Jahangir Karamat tendered his resignation. General Karamat has been replaced by Lt. Gen. Pervaiz Musharraf.


According to Pakistan Television, Gen Karamat, in a letter to the prime minister said that after his statement an unnecessary debate had started in the country and in the best interest of the country he decided to leave his post.

It has also been reported that General Karamat issued a strong condemnation of the performance of Mr Sharif's government and of Pakistan's political leadership.

Newspapers in Pakistan and elsewhere have limited information on the actual events that led to General Karamat's decision and are replete with conjecture and speculation. There are reports that the prime minister consulted with his brother, Shahbaz Sharif before taking this strategic decision.

In the wake of sanctions and economic turmoil, it is yet to be seen what impact this decision will have in enabling Pakistan deal with various internal and external policy issues.