Connect with us

Pakistan

No decision taken yet about next army chief: PM Shehbaz

Published

on

  • PM Shehbaz is not in a hurry to make topmost military appointments and has said that the decision will be taken at an appropriate time.
  • Military authorities have not yet moved summary containing a panel of three-star generals for the topmost army appointments.
  • Issue of these appointments is informally discussed among the ruling PML-N and its coalition partners.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is not in a hurry to make the topmost military appointments and has said that the decision will be taken at an appropriate time.

Talking to The News, the premier said that no decision has been taken so far as to who would be the new Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).

It was also learnt that the military authorities have not yet moved the summary containing a panel of three-star generals for the topmost army appointments. It is the PM’s discretion to appoint the CJCSC and COAS. Generally, the process of initiating the summary for the prime minister, containing the panel, starts in the second half of November unless the PM wants the panel early.

However, the issue of these appointments is informally discussed among the ruling PML-N and its coalition partners. Though the PM is the competent authority, he can consult anyone for these appointments. In the present situation, it is said the premier’s consultation with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif appears to be really important.

Before announcing the appointment, the PM is also expected to take into confidence his key coalition partners. According to a PMLN source, unlike in the past, the prime minister may have more emphasis on seniority. Though not mandatory, the prime minister may also informally seek the outgoing army chief’s advice.

A senior journalist in a recent tweet suggested that the name of a top lieutenant general would not be considered for promotion and appointment because his retirement date falls just a couple of days before November 29. However, defence sources, when approached, confided to The News that at the time of initiating the summary for the topmost appointments, names of all the most senior general officers are included in the panel and the premier can appoint anyone of them to the key military posts. Generally, three officers are considered for one post.

In order of seniority, the following six officers are expected to be considered for the top military appointments: Lt Gen Asim Munir, Lt Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Lt Gen Azhar Abbas, Lt Gen Nauman Mehmood, Lt Gen Faiz Hamid, and Lt Gen Mohammad Amir.

These appointments always attract a lot of focus and attention from the media, politicians and civil and military bureaucracy. However, this time Imran Khan’s repeated statements demanding the deferment of these appointments until the next elections generated controversy. Khan suggested extending COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure until the next election.

Khan was of the view that these appointments should be made by the future PM. He had said the present government has no right to make these appointments. Strangely, President Arif Alvi also talked about consultation between the government and the Opposition for these appointments.

Not only did Gen Bajwa decline to continue beyond November 29, but the PM and his coalition partners also rejected the demands of Khan and President Alvi, insisting that as per the law and Constitution, it is the discretion of the prime minister to make these appointments.

Of late, the DG ISI in his press conference had disclosed that Khan, during his premiership in March this year, had offered an extension to General Bajwa for an indefinite period to save his government from the opposition’s no-trust move. Gen Bajwa had rejected the offer and refused to interfere in political wheeling and dealing.

Latest News

May 9 tragedy: Anchors reflect on loss and condemn memorial desecration.

Published

on

By

As the nation commemorates the one-year anniversary of the tragic events of May 9, anchors from various media platforms shared their moving views on the significance of the day and the martyrs’ enduring impact.

“The martyrs of any nation are the crown of that nation,” stated one anchor, evoking the great reverence and respect showered upon those who make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Another person confirmed their sentiment, stating that nations’ development and progress are inextricably linked to the blood poured by their martyrs.

Anchors paid respect to the fallen heroes’ heroism, emphasising the deep sacrifices made by those who gave their lives in service to the nation. “Martyrs have sacrificed everything for the sake of the country,” stated one anchor, their comments echoing the gratitude felt by millions across the nation.

Nonetheless, amid the mournful memory, anchors expressed outrage about the vandalism of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9. “On May 9, some miscreants burned the memorials of their martyrs to fulfil the nefarious purposes of unknown people,” shouted one anchor, criticising the brazen act of disrespect.

As anchors reflected on the nefarious goal behind the attack on the country’s installations, the question of motive loomed big. “Who did we please by attacking the country’s installations, and what kind of protest was it?” asked one anchor, emphasising the importance of accountability and justice.

Anchors emphasised the importance of quick and decisive action, calling for all those engaged in the desecration to face justice. “All those involved in such mischief must be brought into the Kfir role,” said an anchor, unwavering in the face of such heinous deeds.

Amid the condemnation, anchors underlined the great debt owed to the martyrs who gave their lives for Pakistan. “Martyrs have sacrificed their lives for this land of Pakistan, which is their favour to us,” acknowledged one anchor, their comments a sad reminder of the debt owed to those who have given everything for their country.

As the country reflects on the events of May 9, anchors emphasise the necessity of remembering and commemorating the martyrs’ sacrifices. “Nations that forget their benefactors are obliterated by the attributes of history,” warned one anchor, emphasising the timeless need to preserve the memory and legacy of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Anchors were together in condemning anyone who would strive to undermine the nation’s unity and strength, taking a firm position against any danger to national integrity.

“Anyone who would assault our national integrity under the pretence of protest is in no way forgivable,” said one anchor, their comments a clear call to unity and vigilance in the face of adversity.”

Finally, as the nation honours and pays tribute to the May 9 martyrs, anchors emphasise their unshakeable commitment to honouring their memory and upholding the principles for which they fought so heroically. “To the extent that army men sacrifice for us, they have no personal gain,” declared one anchor, capturing the attitude of selflessness and sacrifice that marks Pakistan’s martyrs’ legacy.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Families of army martyrs want justice for the May 9 mayhem.

Published

on

By

As the nation commemorates the sombre anniversary of the May 9 tragedy, the families of the dead martyrs continue to deal with tremendous loss and a sense of injustice.

One year after the heartbreaking events, their anguish is apparent, and their tears attest to the lasting pain of loss.

The relatives of the martyrs expressed their feelings in emotional professions of love and remembrance, their voices filled with emotion. “I am proud that Allah chose my son for martyrdom,” remarked the mother of Captain Taha Hashmi Shaheed, echoing her son’s steadfast dedication and sacrifice.

However, despite their pride, worries about the legacy of those who gave their life for their country persist. “Did the sacrifices of these martyrs go in vain?” said another weeping mother, her pain echoing that of countless others who have lost loved ones.

For the families, the destruction of the memorials created in memory of the dead soldiers on May 9 was an inexcusable act of contempt. “The desecration of the martyrs’ memorials on May 9 was intolerable,” lamented Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister, her grief obvious in her words.

Calling for justice, the families encouraged the government to take immediate and decisive action against those guilty for the tragic events of May 9. “I appeal to the government to take strict action against those responsible for May 9,” Captain Mohammad Aqib Javed Shaheed’s sister pleaded, echoing many others’ feelings.

The families felt great betrayal, and their faith was challenged by the conduct of individuals who desecrated the memory of their slain heroes. “The tragedy that happened on May 9 is highly condemnable,” said Naik Islam Kashif Zuberi Shaheed’s sister, her words tinged with disbelief and outrage.

Continue Reading

Latest News

Another IHC court orders contempt action against nasty campaign.

Published

on

By

Another letter has emerged from the Islamabad High Court, highlighting a rising trend of aggressive campaigns against the court.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani has also written to the IHC chief justice, requesting him to file contempt of court proceedings against individuals involved in the alleged smear campaign.

This event follows a similar letter delivered yesterday by Justice Babar Sattar to the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court, suggesting a concerted effort among judges to address what they see as an attack on the judiciary’s integrity and authority.

According to officials in the judiciary, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani emphasised the importance of taking action against anyone guilty for spreading misinformation or engaging in activities that are considered contemptuous of the court.

In response to Justice Sattar’s letter, the Supreme Court issued a significant ruling on Monday regarding the judge’s social media campaign. The court has announced that contempt proceedings will be initiated in response to the alleged hostile campaign against Justice Sattar.

According to reports, Justice Babar Sattar wrote a letter to IHC Chief Justice Aamir Farooq about a social media campaign against him. The court then decided to treat the letter as a contempt of court action.

Continue Reading

Trending