Pakistan's new army chief appointed in a day or two, Bajwa retiring this month

The new army chief in Pakistan is going to be appointed in a couple of days. The country's Interior Security Minister Sanaullah claimed that PM Shahbaz Sharif is going to make an appointment soon. The current Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa is going to retire on 29 November.

Sanaullah also said that the delay in the selection of the army chief is not good. He informed that PM Sharif has completed the selection process and the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is going to happen soon. Let me tell you, the post of the army and its chief is considered politically very sensitive in Pakistan. There were reports of a tussle between former PM Imran Khan and the army regarding this post and finally Khan was forced to leave the post of PM.

According to Geo News, Minister Sanaullah claimed that the name of the new general has been finalised, only a formal announcement is yet to be made. He said the selection of the army chief is the discretionary power of the prime minister and he will take the final call.

Appointment should be done through promotion only: Zardari

On the other hand, Asif Ali Zardari, chairman of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), an ally of the ruling coalition in Pakistan, has said that his party is in favor of filling this post through promotion. The army chief should be selected from the promotion system of the Pak army itself. 

Imran said – Appointment should be like the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

This statement of Zardari came after the suggestion of former PM Imran Khan. Imran had said that the appointment to the post of Army Chief should be like the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Imran wants appointment on the basis of merit. PPP leader Zardari said that all three-star generals are equally qualified and capable. The PM will make appointments as per the law. 

Imran had claimed that President Alvi had met Bajwa

Earlier, Imran Khan had claimed that Pakistan President Arif Alvi had met General Bajwa to discuss quick and transparent elections, Geo News reported. Alvi said he would follow the advice of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif regarding the appointment of the army chief. They cannot hinder it. In an informal discussion with senior journalists in Lahore, Imran Khan claimed that Alvi and Bajwa also talked about the appointment of the new army chief.