Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said on Thursday that the appointment of Army Chief and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is a ‘test’ for PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
“The advice has gone to President Alvi. Now it’s Imran Khan’s test whether he wants to strengthen the national defense establishment or make it controversial,” Asif said in a tweet.
Asif’s statement came after the PTI chief made it clear that he would be consulted after receiving the summary and would “play within the law”.
However, according to sources, President Alvi, an important member of PTI, had assured that he would not obstruct the appointment of new senior military officials.
It is also a test for President Alvi whether he will follow political advice or constitutional and legal advice. As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, it is his duty to protect the country from political conflicts,” Asif added in his tweet today.
ایڈوائس صدر علوی کے پاس چلی گئی ھے.اب عمران خان کا امتحان ھے وہ دفاع وطن کے ادارے کو مضبوط بنانا چاہتا ھے یا متنازعہ. صدر علوی کی بھی آزمائش ھے کے وہ سیاسی ایڈوائس پہ عمل کرینگےیاآئینی وقانونی ایڈوائس پہ. بحیثیت افواج کےسپریم کمانڈرادارے کو سیاسی تنازعات سےمحفوظ رکھنا انکا فرض ھے
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 24, 2022
Later speaking to the media in Islamabad after the Federal Cabinet meeting, the Defense Minister said that all matters have been settled according to the Constitution.
The minister added that it is expected that President Alvi will approve the Prime Minister’s advice.
Asif also told the media that a detailed press release regarding the development will be issued soon.
Prime Minister Shehbaz on Thursday selected Lt. Gen. Asim Munir as Pakistan’s next Army Chief and Lt. Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
Lt Gen Munir will replace the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who retires on November 29, while Lt Gen Mirza will take over from Gen Nadeem Raza.
