ISLAMABAD: PPP Secretary General Nayyar Bokhari said his party is of opinion that PTI government’s decision to extend former Army Chief retired General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure at end of his initial three-year tenure in 2019 was “Not a mistake”.

Talking to private TV channel he explained that extension was given in light of situation in country at that time. Bokhari commented on matter when asked about PPP being part of legislation that paved way for Bajwa’s extension. He mentioned, “PPP gave an extension to another Army Chief previously as well”.

He added his personal opinion was that giving an extension to an Army Chief was discretion of country’s chief executive and legislation was not needed for it.

Matter however took an unanticipated turn when Supreme Court suspended notification for Bajwa’s extension on November 26, 2019, raising objections to how matter was handled.

After two days of lengthy court proceedings and back-to-back Cabinet meetings all in an attempt by government to satisfy top court on legal grounds for approving extension SC announced on November 28, 2019 that Gen Bajwa would retain top military position for another six months.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 19 2022

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