Prime Minister Gilani meets Army Chief, President Zardari

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani held a detailed meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari after he met with Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Tuesday, Geo News reported.

An official statement said the meeting between the PM and COAS discussed professional matters relating to the country's defence besides internal and external situation as well as that of the entire region.

The meeting held at a time when the ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Ahmed Shuja Pasha is on his way to be retired next month.

Some circles are of the view that the DG ISI would be given another extension in his term.

The present political scenario should also be kept in view where political forces of the country seemed to have intensified their stand against unrest in Balochistan and an alleged military operation in the province.

It is also not out of context that only three days ago the PM, after holding a meeting with DG ISI, had issued a call for joining the reconciliation process in Afghanistan with the Taliban groups including Hezb-e-Islami.

After meeting with the COAS, the Prime Minister called on President Asif Ali Zardri at the Presidency.

In a very short press release issued by the Presidential Spokesman it was stated that the President and Prime Minister had exchange of views on the recent by elections for National and provincial assemblies seats and the Senate polls scheduled to be held on March 2.