Pak army likely to refuse working with new Gilani-appointed Defence Secretary: Report

Islamabad, Jan 12(ANI): The Pakistan army will likely refuse to work with new Defence Secretary Nargis Sethi following the sacking of Khalid Naeem Lodhi by Pakistan Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

"The army will not react violently, but it will not cooperate with the new secretary of defense," The New York times quoted a military officer as saying, on the condition of anonymity.

Gilani had sacked former Defence Secretary Khalid Naeem Lodhi over allegations of misconduct.

Pakistan's defense secretary is generally appointed with the consent of the army chief, and acts as a bridge between the government and the military.

The report claimed that Gilani appears to be seeking greater leverage for his government in handling the military by appointing the defence secretary of his own choice.

Pakistani analysts said Lodhi's firing indicates that the conflict between the army and the government has reached a flashpoint.

"It is a desperate measure. They want the army to react and to make a coup," a defense analyst Ikram Sehgal said.

A military and political analyst, Hasan-Askari Rizvi said the firing would only exacerbate the situation for the Pakistan government. (ANI)