In a startling revelation, a senior Pakistani political figure has claimed that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif played a central role in planning and overseeing a military operation against India during his tenure. The statement has triggered renewed debate over the long-standing civil-military divide in Pakistan and the country’s covert military actions against its neighbor.
The Allegation
During a recent televised interview, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former federal minister, Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, alleged that Nawaz Sharif, often portrayed as a pro-peace politician, had in fact “masterminded” and “monitored” a cross-border military operation targeting Indian positions in the late 1990s.
While Fawad did not name the operation directly, many believe he was referring to the 1999 Kargil conflict, in which Pakistani soldiers and militants infiltrated Indian territory in the high-altitude region of Kargil, in Jammu and Kashmir. The conflict led to a limited war between India and Pakistan, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and international condemnation of Pakistan’s actions.
Context of the Kargil War
Historically, the Kargil War has been viewed as an operation largely driven by the Pakistani military establishment, particularly General Pervez Musharraf, who was the Army Chief at the time. Nawaz Sharif, then serving as Prime Minister, has consistently claimed he was unaware of the military’s plans and was kept in the dark about the true nature of the infiltration until it had escalated.
However, Fawad’s comments directly contradict this narrative. “He (Nawaz Sharif) was not only aware of the planning but also supervised its execution,” Fawad stated. “He cannot continue to portray himself as an advocate of peace while hiding his direct involvement in actions that pushed the region to the brink of war.”
Political Reactions
The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) [PML-N], led by Nawaz Sharif, swiftly denied the allegations, calling them a “desperate attempt” by political rivals to tarnish the image of the three-time Prime Minister. “This is a malicious lie,” said PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb. “Nawaz Sharif has always stood for regional peace, dialogue, and civilian supremacy.”
In India, the remarks have sparked media attention and political commentary. Several analysts see the revelation as vindication of India’s long-held position that Pakistan’s elected leadership was complicit, or at the very least aware, of aggressive military actions disguised as “freedom struggles.”
Implications for Civil-Military Relations
The claim reignites the ongoing discourse in Pakistan about the real power dynamics between elected civilian governments and the military. If true, it suggests that Nawaz Sharif had more control over military decisions than previously believed—raising questions about his long-standing image as a victim of military overreach.
On the other hand, critics argue that this may be part of a coordinated campaign to undermine the credibility of PML-N ahead of future elections or during sensitive negotiations involving civil-military power-sharing in the country.
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International Ramifications
The development could also impact diplomatic relations, particularly given the fragile peace between India and Pakistan. While no official statement has been issued by the Indian government, strategic commentators have suggested this claim could be used to reinforce New Delhi’s stance on cross-border terrorism and past military provocations from Islamabad.
Conclusion
Whether politically motivated or a candid disclosure, the statement has stirred a fresh round of controversy around Nawaz Sharif’s legacy and the murky corridors of decision-making in Pakistan’s political-military landscape. As calls grow for an independent inquiry or clarification, the issue underscores the continuing tension between narrative and truth in South Asia’s complex geopolitical history.
