PML-N Senior leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government will appoint the next army chief on merit and when it is due. The government is neither considering extending the incumbent Army chief’s General Bajwa nor does he personally want it.
Speaking to Media he said that “General Bajwa is not seeking an extension and it is not in the cards. His six years are coming to an end after an extended term. And, I don’t believe an extension after an already-extended term will go in the interest of the country or the army.”
Referring to the demand of Imran Khan, Abbasi said that a short-term extension is not a reasonable demand. The PML-N leader said Prime minister Shabaz Sharif appoints the new Army chief and he will carry out his duty.
“It is the PM’s prerogative and he will announce the name of the next army chief on time,” he said.
Talking about PTI Chairman Imran Khan, Abbasi said that a curtain should be drawn on democracy if the army chief’s appointment is the focal point of the country’s politics.
“If we can make difficult economic decisions, then the prime minister should have the right to appoint the army chief,” he asserted.
Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked Imran Khan to show no-confidence on the floor of the assembly. “If you want to create a path [into power corridors while agitating] from the road, there is no room for it,” he added.
