New Delhi: There are signs of a political storm gathering across the border. The Army in Pakistan has begun to flex its muscles as President Asif Ali Zardari fights to retain authority in the country.
Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani reportedly acted on Washington's advice, and ordered Zardari to set his house in order.
Reports in the Pakistani media suggest that Kayani has given a perform or perish message to Zardari. This, apparently soon after Kayani returned from a visit to the US.
He is also said to have discussed the issue with senior Army commanders.
The report quotes highly placed sources as saying that the US has asked Kayani to bring order in the North West Frontier Province. The US is said to be upset that Zardari is busy settling political scores with former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and has no time to bring order in the restive tribal belt.
Reports in the Western newspapers have also speculated that the Pakistan military would take over in light of the worsening security and political situation.
The US is clearly worried. US President Barack Obama expressed his fears after the recent attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.
“Obviously, we are deeply concerned,” Obama was quoted as saying.
“The safe havens for al-Qaeda remain in the frontier regions of Pakistan,” Obama added.
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