Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani will retire next month, thus ending speculation that he will continue to man the coveted post.
Islamabad, Oct 7/Nationalturk – Pakistan’s powerful army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, who has failed to root out terrorism from the country, will retire next month.
“For quite sometime, my current responsibilities and likely future plans were debated in the media with all sorts of rumours and speculations doing the rounds. The subject of being entrusted with new duties had also come up in several reports. I am grateful to the political leadership and the nation for reposing their trust in me and Pakistan Army at this important juncture of our national history,” Kayani said in a statement.
He said he shares the general opinion that “institutions” and “traditions” are stronger than individuals and must take precedence. “As I complete my tenure the will of the people has taken root and a constitutional order is in place. The armed forces of Pakistan fully support and want to strengthen this democratic order. Pakistan Army has made its contribution towards this desired end with complete clarity of mind and a comprehensive understanding of the trajectory Pakistan needs to take. They have also proven, on countless occasions, through their priceless sacrifices that the defence and prosperity of Pakistan is their highest priority”.
Kayani said he during his six years as army chief, he had served the nation to the best of his abilities and with sincerity. “It is time for others to carry forward the mission of making Pakistan a truly democratic, prosperous and peaceful country that embodies the finest dreams our founding fathers had envisaged for us. My tenure ends on 29th November 2013 and on that day I will retire,” he added.
There were speculations that either Kayani would get extension in service or will be made chairman of a revamped Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
‘Kayani failed to root out terrorism from Pakistan’
Kayani has been blamed by security experts for failing to root out militancy with iron hands. “When the military operation was launched in Swat, countries lawless tribal areas and South Wazirstan, the morale of militants was on down and they were on run. Most of them took refuge in North Wazirstan, where from dreaded militant group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other terrorist groups operate. Had he sent the army there, the militants would have been flushed out from their last territory and they could have suffered heavy casualties.”
“However, surprisingly Kayani refused to launch military operation in North Wazirstan and now Pakistan is bearing the brunt of it. The blasts and suicide bombings have become order of the day and even army headquarters and high security officials of intelligence agencies and jails have been attacked,” they said.
Now that Kayani has ruled out extension in his service, the big question is who will replace him?
The appointment of the next army chief has gained wide attention in view of past difficulties faced by Pakistan’s civilian governments in appointing persons to the coveted military post.
‘Lt Gen Haroon front runner for coveted post’
Lt Gen Haroon Aslam, currently Chief of Logistics Staff is leading the race for elevation to the coveted post. He will be the senior most General when Kayani steps down.
According to media reports, Lt Gen Haroon has served as Director Military Operations, commanded Elite Force Division (Special Services Group) and had been Corps Commander of Bahawalpur.
He also lead anti-militancy operation in the Swat in 2009 and is due to retire on April 9 next year.
The other two contenders based on seniority, will be Lt Gen Rashid Mehmood, Chief of General Staff and Lt Gen Raheel Sharif. Following them is Lieutenant General Tariq Khan, Commander of 1 Strike Corps at Mangla and ISI chief Lt Gen Zaheer-ul Islam is at the fifth spot.
Now it remains to be whom Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif picks up for the coveted post. His attempt to handpicked junior over seniors as failed. He elevated General Parvez Musharraf to army chief’s post in 1998 and later the general overthrew his government in a bloodless coup. Will Nawaz this time go with seniority or pick handpicked officer for the coveted post needs to be seen.
Write your comments and thoughts below
Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk Pakistan News
[adrotate banner=”46″]
