Pakistan may get new army chief before Bajwa's tenure ends

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi agreed on Tuesday to a suggestion that the next Army chief could be appointed before the end of General Qamar Javed Bajwa's tenure this November 29. Bajwa is on a three-year extension given by the previous Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government of Imran Khan in 2019. The president was responding to question from journalists if he thinks a new army chief should be appointed because of the political crisis in the country. "It is not such a bad idea," Alvi replied.

"I would have no objection to the appointment of the next army chief before its scheduled time if the process was initiated through laid-down procedure under relevant laws and contained the formal approval of relevant institutions and offices," he said. "The neutrals (top generals) need to remain neutral always."

On a question about whether the army could play a role in the current political quagmire, he said: "There is no constitutional role for the army in the country for resolving political crises." He avoided speaking openly on the army's meddling in political matters. When asked about the deepening political crisis, he said he as president does not have the constitutional authority to ask parties to have a dialogue. A dialogue is possible when all the stakeholders agree, he said. "The President House can play its role only in this case if all parties agree."