Process of appointments to top army slots has begun: Kh Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced on Monday that the process of making appointments to the top slots of the Pakistan Army had begun. The defence minister made the announcement in a tweet, adding that the process would be completed soon in line with all constitutional requirements.

Separately, in an informal talk with reporters in Islamabad, Asif ruled out reports of a deadlock over the name of the new army chief.

"There is no deadlock. Once the summary is received, then a discussion will be held," the senior PML-N leader said.

The defence minister said the prime minister would take the army leadership into confidence, following which a decision would be taken. "Currently, there are five to six seniormost candidates. But no decision has been taken as yet on the names."

Asif said that consultations over the current state of affairs were taking place on a daily basis. "I had also informed the media earlier that the process [of appointments] would start on Monday," he said. He also went on to say that the government was not facing "any pressure" and was also not in any haste.

The minister said that a "dossier" and a summary would be sent to the Prime Minister House. "Subsequently, the prime minister will formalise everything and send it to the president." When asked to comment on when a formal decision could be expected, the minister responded: "Maybe by tomorrow or the day after."

Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure is ending on Nov 29, but the appointment of new chief is likely to take place before Nov 27, the day when one of the candidates is going to retire. A source in the Prime Minister's Office told Dawn that the ministry of defence will initiate the summary for the appointment of new army chief before Nov 27. A source in the defence ministry said it had been decided that the appointment will be made before Nov 27.

The source said that the government, its allies and the military establishment were on the same page on the issue as the consultation process among the three had been completed.

The role of President Dr Arif Alvi has come to the limelight in the appointment process as some media reports claimed that he could hold the notification for 25 days.

However, PM's spokesman Fahd Hussain while talking to Dawn ruled out the possibility of any such action by the president.

He said under the Constitution the powers to appoint the new army chief rested with the prime minister and he would use his powers to select the best-suited person for the slot.

On Saturday, Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari advised President Alvi against creating any "sort of disorder" in the army chief's appointment.

"It is the last chance for the president and he would have to bear any consequence for any disorder. As long as Arif Alvi sahib's role is concerned, his test has been taken before whether he will stay loyal to Pakistan, its Constitution, its nation and democracy or will he fulfil his friendship with [Imran] Khan sahib," he added.