RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said he would not be seeking another extension in his tenure, which ends on November 29, asserting that Army had decided to distance itself from country’s politics.

Addressing a security workshop here, he said “according to journalists who attended workshop,” Army Chief said military had decided to remain “apolitical”.

Gen Bajwa’s statement comes on same day Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified former premier and PTI Chairman Imran Khan as Member of Parliament, finding him guilty of misdeclaration in Toshakhana reference. This is not first time Gen Bajwa has addressed matter of his extension and Army’s intent to distance itself from politics.

Earlier this month during a visit to United States, he had confirmed he would not be seeking another extension to his tenure while speaking at a lunch at Pakistan Embassy in Washington. During that gathering, Gen Bajwa had also said armed forces had distanced themselves from politics and wanted to remain so.

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa whileaddressing to the participants of 24th National Security Workshop spoke on various challenges to national security and response measures.  COAS said that national cohesion and unified response to guard and promote Pakistan's national interests is imperative for progress. Pakistan has faced many challenges but came out stronger every time. 

Our fight against terrorism is one such example which only succeeded due to whole of nation approach, COAS reiterated. Peace and stability can only be achieved if rule of law and state's writ is established, COAS emphasised.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 22 2022

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