ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif has said that the new chief of army staff (COAS) will be announced next week.
Khawaja Asif, during an interview with private tv channel, said that the appointment process of the new COAS will start on Monday and be completed in the next week.
He said that the new army chief would be announced on Tuesday or Wednesday while change of command ceremony would be held on November 29.
COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa, the incumbent army chief, is set to retire later this month and he has ruled out an extension in his tenure — and so has the military.
A day earlier, President Dr. Arif Alvi received a special message from Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on the appointment of the new army chief and breaking the impasse over the country’s constitutional issues.
Moreover, President Alvi declared that he would heed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation regarding the choice of the next army chief.
Meanwhile, interior minister Rana Sanaullah said that the nomination of the next army chief would be decided in a day or two.
“I think the prime minister has finished the process (of seeking input on the army chief nomination) and will put it on paper today, tomorrow, or within the next two days.” he said.
“There isn’t much time left for this decision, and it will be brought before you, so please refrain from asking questions that could spark unnecessary speculation. I will also request you that this is a matter of a day or two.” the interior minister said.
Sanaullah said that a further delay in the matter would not be “appropriate”, and the next army chief would be appointed in the next two days.
In response, PTI Vice President Fawad Chaudhry said the president would fulfil his constitutional duty when it comes to the crucial appointment. “Let me make it clear, whatever the president decides, it will have Imran Khan’s complete support,” he added.
