Pakistan’s civilian government led by PM Nawaz Sharif has decided to appoint the new general in a month’s time, country’s Information and Broadcasting minister has said.
Islamabad, Oct 9/Nationalturk – The suspense over naming of new army chief in Pakistan will continue as the civilian government has decided to take its time and appoint the new general in a month’s time.
“The appointments to the posts of Army chief and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will be made in accordance with the constitutional framework of Pakistan within 30 days,” Pakistan’s
Information and Broadcasting Minister Pervaiz Rashid told reporters.
The chairman joint chief of Staff Committee (CJCSC), a ceremonial post, fell vacant recently after the incumbent General Khalid Shameem Wyne retired on October 8. The term of present army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani expires on November 29 and he has made it public that he won’t seek any fresh extension. Kayani was appointed as army chief by former military ruler Parvez Musharraf and was given three years extension by previous PPP government in 2010.
‘Two key posts would be filled within 30 days’
“Within 30 days, the two important posts would be filled,” Pakistan’s Information minister said.
He said as per country’s constitution, the government have 30 days after the retirement of the CJCSC to appoint his successor and the constitutional requirement would be fulfilled accordingly.
When asked that the post of CJCS C was vacant now, he said it was not vacant but was being temporarily taken care of by the army chief.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met with country’s President Mamnoon Hussain and discussed the appointments of army chief and CJCSC.
The president will approve the summary for the appointments of army chief and CJCSC after which an announcement will be made.
Earlier on Monday, Nawaz had said that the appointments of army chief and CJCSC will be announced together.
Lt Gen Haroon Aslam front runner for coveted post
According to media reports, Lt Gen Haroon Aslam, currently Chief of Logistics Staff is the front runner for the post of army chief. Aslam will be the senior-most general when Kayani retires. He has served as Director General of Military Operations, commanded the Elite Force Division of the Special Services Group and headed the Bahawalpur-based XXXI Corps. He also led the successful anti-Taliban operation in Swat Valley in 2009 and is due to retire on April 9 next year.
Two other generals in contention for the post of army chief are Lt Gen Rashid Mehmood, Chief of General Staff, and Lt Gen Raheel Sharif. Following them is Lt Gen Tariq Khan, Commander of 1 Strike Corps at Mangla, and ISI chief Lt Gen Zaheer-ul-Islam.
It is now to be seen whom PM Nawaz picks for the coveted post. Pakistan military has always had strained relations with the civilian government and Nawaz Sharif’s last government was overthrown by his hand-picked army chief General Parvez Musharraf. Musharraf ruled country for nearly a decade and is now facing detention at his farm house in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital.
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Faiz Ahmad / NationalTurk Pakistan News
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