ISLAMABAD, May 11: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the prospects of general elections in the country before the appointment of new army chief this year could not be ruled out. In an interview with BBC News, the Defence Minister went one step ahead and said there was also a chance of a new government taking office prior to the appointment which was due in November.
“The current Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has already made it clear that he is not interested in the extension of his tenure,” Asif said, and added, “I welcome this statement because it has laid to rest all speculations being made in this regard. Before that, General Raheel Sharif, too, had not sought extension in his tenure, either directly or indirectly.”
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader was of the view that just like was the case with the country’s judiciary, it was now time for institutionalizing the appointment of new army chief as well.
“If this arrangement is made, there will be no room for rumours as it will be known beforehand as to who is going to become the next chief. I know who will take oath as the chief justice of Pakistan in 2028,” he added.
Asif went on to add that it was his personal opinion that instead of speculating as to who would be the next chief, it should be ensured that only deserving generals ascend to the post. – NNI
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