The headline of DAWN today says it all.
Countdown to a new army chief begins.
It is widely speculated that an agreement has already been arrived at, between the outgoing Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and the controversial Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharif, regarding who the COAS will be, and who the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff. Four names are in circulation—the senior most Generals.
The Prime Minister however has the final say. He has kept his cards close to his chest. He may or may not honour whatever agreement he has made with General Raheel Sharif with whom the controversial prime minister hasn’t enjoyed smooth relationship.
He is unlikely not to choose someone whom he will not regard a ‘threat’. The problem here is that whomsoever he picks, will be wearing the same uniform— a uniform that arguably is worn by one of the most powerful men in the world.
Right now the Prime Minister is in the driving seat, and the man he has in his mind to become the next COAS is under his command. The moment this man will become Pakistan’s Army Chief, he will get into the driving seat automatically. That is Pakistan’s history and tradition.
One thing is utterly certain. General Raheel Sharif has made all the promotions on merit. And the merit of the man Mian Nawaz Sharif will appoint will be totally unquestionable. He is unlikely not to become Mian Sahib’s next most undesirable man.
Mian Sahib’s favourite choice would have been Rana Sanaullah.
- Latest
- Trending
