ISLAMABAD: Defense Minister Khawaja Asif called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif here on Wednesday amid heightened deliberations between ruling coalition partners on the subject of appointing new Army Chief of the country.
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Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif suspended his routine activities after reports that the process for appointment of new army chief gained pace as summary from GHQ moved to the Defense Ministry. The incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa is all set to retire on November 29.
MM News has learnt that Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif held a meeting with the premier to review the names recommended for the two highest positions in Pakistan Army.
Later, when asked by reporters if the appointment of new Army Chief would take place on merit or on the basis of seniority, Khawaja Asif said he had no idea, but any decision to that effect would be reached by Tomorrow.
سینئر ترین افسر آرمی چیف ہوں گے یا نہیں، یہ مجھے نہیں پتہ، وزیر دفاع خواجہ آصف pic.twitter.com/W247XsLk5O
— Muhammad Faizan Khan (@FaizanFayzi) November 23, 2022
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Though the names of runner for the post have not been disclosed officially, the main contenders for the highest positions include, Lieutenant Generals Asim Munir, Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Faiz Hameed, Mohammad Amir, Azhar Abbas and Nauman Mehmood.
The defense minister reportedly briefed PM Shehbaz about profiles of all lieutenant generals, who are frontrunner for the positions.
Also read: PM Shehbaz Sharif summons meeting of Parliamentary parties’ leaders
It is pertinent to mention here that the PM has already summoned a meeting of his ruling partners to discuss the appointment of new army chief. The meeting is expected to take place later today.
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