Pakistan's army chief General Raheel Sharif demands end of corruption to eliminate terror

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's powerful army chief General Raheel Sharif today said that the ongoing war against terrorism and extremism cannot bring enduring peace and stability unless the menace of corruption is not uprooted.

Gen Raheel's remarks assume significance in the wake of raging scandal in Pakistan over embattled Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family offshore wealth after the Panama Papers leak mentioned his children's name for having shell companies.

"Ongoing war against terrorism and extremism being fought with the backing of entire nation cannot bring enduring peace and stability unless the menace of corruption is not uprooted," Gen Raheel said during his visit to Kohat.

"Therefore, across the board accountability is necessary for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of Pakistan. Pakistan Armed Forces will fully support every meaningful effort in that direction, which would ensure a better future for our next generations," he said.

The army chief's remarks came hours before Prime Minister Sharif's arrival in Pakistan from UK where he stayed for a week for medical treatment.

Sharif dashed to the UK last week for "medical treatment" amid reports he was under immense pressure to quit over the scandal that mentioned the names of his two sons and a daughter as having shell companies through which they owned expensive residential properties in London.

Analysts say that having offshore accounts may not be illegal but it was immoral for the Prime Minister who was trying to convince the world to invest in Pakistan when his family members were stashing their wealth abroad.