This statement should have come earlier: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Wednesday that the next army chief would be named before Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif leaves for Ankara on November 25. The military announced late Tuesday that it sent the report to the defence ministry, whereas the appearance of a stalemate with the military over the selection of a new army chief is being discussed by the media, politicians and the general public. According to Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, one of the six senior generals whose names the GHQ provided to the
Ministry of Defense in its summary and the selection process for the Army Chief has begun.
The likelihood of appointing a new army leader is rising, which might help reduce the nation’s present political unrest. General Qamar Javed Bajwa will leave his position on
November 29 after serving for six years, including a three-year extension. He is on farewell tours, Defene Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the initial round of appointments to the highest ranks in the Pakistan Army will be finished by November 25.
On the other hand, Information Minister Marriyam Aurangzeb denied receiving any such summary, which fueled speculations of rift between the government and the army. The media should avoid commenting on this sensitive matter and wait. The Ministry of Defense hot got the GHQ summary, and of the given names, the prime minister will choose a general to serve as the Army Chief. There should be no impasse on the anticipated names for the new army chief. The coalition government is being consulted, and the military’s senior brass will also be consulted.
It is time to celebrate the fact that after 75 years since Pakistan’s independence,
its most significant institution has declared itself to be neutral. The institution shouldn’t be hindered if it wishes to continue adhering to the constitution today. The selection
of the army chief is a standard procedure and the constitution has a detailed definition of the process. Despite concerns, despite how many appointments have been made in the past, none have generated controversy.
Differently, some military officials attempted to use this position as a platform for political authority, but the populace rejected such a move. The good news is that the present military leadership has finally declared that the army will avoid politics and maintain its neutrality in matters of politics while abiding by the constitution and the law. The military establishment’s commitment to maintaining its neutrality was honoured by the public, and it is still being done now.
But now that the selection process for the new Pakistani Army chief has begun, the names of the most senior generals who will be recommended by the military leadership for the position of army chief have been revealed. Each of these generals has their own unique qualifications, including experience, bravery, talent, and patriotism. In terms of quality, he is entirely qualified for this post. Being politically apolitical will be an extra virtue and is a prerequisite for democracy. Instead of making the selection of the military leader contentious, political parties should wholeheartedly support it. Not everyone has an opinion regarding the position of army chief. The military command or the current administration can make the best choice.
