President Arif Alvi arrived at Zaman Park in Lahore on Thursday afternoon where he was discussing important appointments of military brass with PTI Chairman Imran Khan.
The President, who has received the summary of appointments, has not yet signed it. According to reports, he will take a decision after talking to the PTI chief.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent a summary to the President to appoint Lt. Gen. Asim Munir as the next Army Chief and Lt. Gen. Sahir Shamshad Mirza as the Chairman 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.
Earlier, the PTI leadership – chaired by Khan – held a meeting to discuss key appointments, sources told Geo News.
PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PTI Vice President Fawad Chaudhry and PTI Secretary General Asad Umar were also present in the meeting.
Asif wants Alavis to avoid political conflicts.
After announcing the nominations, the defense minister expected political maturity from the PTI leadership on key military appointments.
In a tweet, Asif said: “The advice has gone to President Alvi. Now it is Imran Khan’s test whether he wants to strengthen the national defense establishment or make it controversial.
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.
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.
