"The American role in any change in Pakistan cannot be ignored... The United States has already signalled the removal of Nawaz Sharif and any time a new leadership will emerge," Gen Beg was quoted as saying by Urdu daily Nawa-e-Waqt today.

The former general, who now heads his own political outfit, Awami Qiadat Party, addressing newspersons at the Lahore residence of dissident Pakistan Muslim League leader Mian Azhar, hinted at the Army's intervention in the present circumstances but ruled out martial law, the daily said. "In the current situation, the Army will not remain silent," he said.

The former Army chief also indicated the growing difference between the Government and the Army due to the recent Niaz Naik controversy and termed Naik's comments against the Army as a"conspiracy which is connected to Washington". General Beg's comments assume significance in the light of recent trips to the US by leading Opposition leaders like Benazir Bhutto, former president Farooq Leghari, Imran Khan, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Tahirul Qadri, to hold discussions with US officials. Imran Khan is still in the US.