Sharif meets Army Chief amid political stalemate

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and the powerful Army Chief today agreed on the need to "expeditiously" end the political deadlock that has raised fears of instability, as the embattled government stepped up back channel efforts to reach out to protesters.
The meeting between Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif came in the wake of protests here by thousands of supporters of Imran Khan and cleric Tahir-ul- Qadri, demanding the Prime Minister's resignation.
"Overall security environment including the prevailing situation was discussed in the meeting. There was a consensus on the need to resolve the ongoing issue expeditiously in the best national interest," a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office said.

The government did not give further details about the meeting but the army has already asked the two sides to end the crisis through negotiations.