KARACHI: Pakistan Peoples’ Party co-Chairman and former President Asif Ali Zardari said that all three-star generals are equal and fully qualified to head army. However, he feared that if matter of appointing next Army Chief became political, it will harm institution.

Statement came amid debate over appointment of new military chief which intensified after Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), media wing of military, confirmed earlier this month that General Qamar Javed Bajwa would doff off his uniform on November 29 at completion of his six-year tenure.

“We strongly believe in promotion system of Pakistan Army.,” Zardari said in statement. PPP leader said that matter of appointment should not be politicised as it will harm institution, adding that Army Chief will be appointed by Prime Minister as per law.

Meanwhile, initial consultation process between government and coalition partners on high-profile appointment has begun. Coalition partners have assured federal government of their full cooperation.

Consultation process took place during meetings between Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and JUI-F Amir Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Asif Ali Zardari. Imran Khan’s long march and overall political situation of country were also discussed during meetings.

Former prime minister and PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif also held telephonic conversations with political leaders during meetings.

They were of opinion that country will move towards political and economic stability if decisions are taken in unison.

In meetings, it was decided not to give importance to narrative of Imran Khan and his long march. Three major coalition partners also agreed to work together in near future, sources further said.

Top five generals after Gen Bajwa: Lt-Gen Asim Munir, QuarterMaster General, Lt-Gen Sahir Shahmshad Mirza, Corps Commander Rawalpindi, Lt-Gen Azhar Abbas, Chief of General Staff, Lt-Gen Numan Mahmood, President National Defence University and Lt-Gen Faiz Hameed, Corps Commander Bahawalpur.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 19 2022

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