PM TO APPOINT NEW ARMY CHIEF AMID POLITICAL TURMOIL IN PAK

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is poised to appoint a new army chief amid lingering political turmoil, officials said on Wednesday, after the military sent a list of senior army generals as candidates for the key position.

The latest move ended days of speculation about a deadlock between Sharif’s coalition government and the military over the replacement of Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is retiring early next week. His term had been extended by former premier Imran Khan amid tension with neighbouring India.

In a tweet, defence minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif confirmed on Wednesday that the government had received a summary about the candidates. The military also took to Twitter, saying it sent the names of six generals for consideration.

So far, neither the military and nor the government has disclosed the names of the generals who were on the panel. However, the six senior-most generals are 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.

Sharif’s office took to Twitter on Wednesday, saying “The PM Office has received the summary from the Ministry of Defence with a panel of names for the appointment of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and Chief of the Army Staff.”

Bajwa is retiring at a time when Khan is asking Sharif to announce snap elections, a demand that the coalition government has rejected, saying the next parliamentary vote will take place in 2023 as scheduled. Bajwa became army chief in 2016 and Khan extended his service for three years.