Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PPP co-Chairperson Asif Ali Zardari held meeting at Prime Minister’s House to discuss “Overall situation” of country. A statement released by Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said former President enquired about PM Shehbaz’s well-being and was thanked for his visit. Shehbaz had tested positive for Covid-19 on November 15 after returning from UK. It was third time the Prime Minister had tested positive for virus.

Meeting between two leaders was held amid process for next Army Chief’s appointment. A day ago, PM had sought defence ministry summary for appointment of new Army Chief, along with service dossiers of all prospective candidates, as government seems set to name outgoing Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s successor by Friday.

Speaking in Monday’s National Assembly session, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said his ministry had received PM’s letter, asking for initiation of appointment process on Monday, which had been forwarded to General Headquarters. He said summary, along with service dossiers of senior-most lieutenant generals proposed for elevation and appointment as Chief of Army Staff and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was likely to be sent to Prime Minister’s Office within two days.

Speaking on a point of order, he said it was possible that process of Army Chief’s appointment would be completed in two to three days. Blaming media for giving matter too much hype, Asif said: “Media itself is in a state of confusion, I request them from floor of this house to maintain sanctity of process”.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 23 2022

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