ISLAMABAD:
A day after army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani ruled out a longer tenure for himself, the Prime Minister House announced that the new Chief of Army Staff and the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee would be named simultaneously following intense consultations.
As rumours swirled over the possible successors of Gen Kayani and Gen Khalid Shameem Wynne, the PM House spokesman said in a statement on Monday that the prime minister has decided to announce the appointments at the same time after holding consultations.
“Expectations regarding the announcement of the successors of the outgoing CJSC who retired on Monday and the army chief whose tenure ends on November 29 are important issues but need comprehensive considerations.”
“Every decision will be taken in the country’s supreme interest,” the premier was quoted as saying.
Separately, Information Minister Pervaiz Rasheed, told The Express Tribune that the issue of appointments needed careful consultation. “Let me reiterate that the appointment of military officials on these key slots is an extremely important responsibility of the chief executive and needs comprehensive consultation, covering all dimensions,” he said. “This is being fulfilled by Nawaz Sharif,” he added.
“Despite speculations and rumours, the government will keep its focus on the issues of national interest while appointing the successors.”
According to officials at the PM House, one option is on the table: Gen Kayani is retained as CJCSC and the senior-most general is appointed as COAS. But there is strong opposition to this option, which is why the prime minister has decided to take more time to consult.
Senior leaders of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz have advised the prime minister that even though Gen Kayani carries a distinctive experience of strategic counterterrorism, another extension for him is not good for the country as he has already served for six consecutive years.
Senior defence analyst Lieutenant General (retd) Talat Masood said that the country is facing grave internal and external threats and they should be kept in mind while appointing new heads of the three forces and the military.
“The strategic and diplomatic vision of the chief counts a lot in this regard as the criterion should not only be confined to his approach to counterinsurgency. His ability to deal with neighbouring states, Nato forces and the United States should also be a major deciding factor.”
Published in The Express Tribune, October 8th, 2013.
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