Crisis in Pak: Gilani sacks defence secy, Army warns PM

ISLAMABAD: The memogate scandal in Pakistan has taken a turn for the worse with the fight between the Pakistan Army and the government now out in the open.

Pak Army and the ISI have reacted strongly to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's charges that the Pak Army acted in an unconstitutional manner.

Gilani made the charges during an interview in China.

The army has warned that the PM's allegations were serious and could have important ramifications.

The army-backed ISI has also objected to PM's statements.

According to reports, the core commanders are to meet in Rawalpindi in the next 24 hours.

All top Pakistani generals have been called for this emergency meet, raising once again fears of military coup.

Earlier, Gilani sacked the defence secretary Lt Gen (Retd) Khaleed Naeem Lodhi and handed over additional charge of secretary defence to Nargis Sethi.

More details on this deepening crisis are awaited.

(With inputs from agencies)