Pak NSA Janjua bows to political pressure, resigns

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Nasser Janjua resigned on Wednesday against the backdrop of growing pressure from political parties against officials appointed by the previous PML-N administration.

The retired general’s resignation raised questions about the continuation of contacts between the NSAs of India and Pakistan, currently the only functional high-level interface between the two sides. At a time when there are no formal talks, Janjua had been in regular touch with his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

People familiar with developments acknowledged there could be an interregnum of about a month till the next NSA is appointed by the government that is formed following the July 25 general elections.

Janjua’s resignation was confirmed in a notification issued by the Cabinet Division. A brief statement from Janjua’s office said the resignation was meant to “principally support the process of democracy upon completion of the tenure of the previous government”.

Commissioned in the army in 1977, Janjua served as the Director General of Military Operations. He was appointed by the government of former premier Nawaz Sharif in October 2015, replacing Sartaj Aziz after he retired from the army.

Janjua’s appointment was backed by the military and his secret meetings with Doval in Bangkok in 2015 and 2017 played a key role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.

The caretaker government headed by Prime Minister Nasirul-Mulk has been criticised for not replacing people appointed to key positions by the PML-N regime. Dawn News channel reported Janjua’s resignation was preceded by differences with the interim government.

Several officials appointed by the previous government have either stepped down or been removed from their posts. Attorney general Ashtar Ali quit on June 20. PML-N leader Marvi Memon was removed as chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme on June 22.