PML-N’s member and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that the government will name the new army chief when the time comes.
Abbasi appeared in the Geo News program “Aaj Shahzeb Khanzada Kay Sath” where he said that neither the government nor the current army chief, General Qamar javed Bajwa, sought an extension.
He added that, “General Bajwa is not seeking an extension and it is not in the cards. His six years are coming to an end after an extended term. And, I don’t believe an extension after an already-extended term will go in the interest of the country or the army.”
Referring to the demand made by the PTI chief Imran Khan, Abbasi said that a short-term extension is an unreasonable demand.
The PML-N leader also said that, “It is the PM’s prerogative and he will announce the name of the next army chief on time.”
“If we can make difficult economic decisions, then the prime minister should have the right to appoint the army chief,” he added further.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also asked Imran Khan to show no-confidence on the floor of the assembly and stated, “If you want to create a path [into power corridors while agitating] from the road, there is no room for it.”
