PM Shehbaz to appoint new army chief in a “day or two” says Pak Minister

Rana Sanaullah, Pakistan Interior Minister on Friday said that a new army chief will be appointed in a day or two by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He said he believes that further delay over the appointment will be inappropriate.

 According to Sanaullah, PM Sharif has finished the consultation process to name the next army head, and a decision on General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s replacement would be announced in a “day or two,” according to reports. On November 29, the incumbent, Gen. Bajwa, will retire.

The interior minister stated, “Just formal announcement has yet to be made,” implying that the name for the coveted position had been decided upon.

He said, “In my opinion, further delay over the appointment will not be appropriate.”Meanwhile, on the other hand Asif Ali Zardari, the coalition partner Pakistan People’s Party Co-chairman, said that his party has faith in the internal promotion system of the Pakistan Army.

After PTI leader Imran Khan suggested that the selection of the head of the armed forces should be handled similarly to that of the top justice of the Supreme Court, Zardari made his comments. The PTI chairman has pushed for the army chief to be chosen on the basis of merit.

The PPP leader claimed in a statement that all three-star generals are equally qualified and have all necessary skills to lead the army. The next army chief would be chosen by the prime minister in accordance with the legislation, he continued.

President Alvi said that he will follow PM Shehbaz Sharif’s advice regarding the major appointment. “Appointment of the chief of the armed forces should be done like that of the Supreme Court’s chief justice,” Khan said, according to the sources.

“The proposed amendment to the Army Act will be challenged in the Supreme Court,” the former prime minister said and informed journalists that he hasn’t met General Bajwa in Lahore.