The minister, a PML-N stalwart, told Naya Daur that Bajwa wanted to stay home following the completion of his tenure. The minister said PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari all wanted a new army chief appointed in November.
While no names had been put forth by heads of political parties, some did have reservations on certain individuals. The PML-N stalwart said Lieutenant General Asim Munir was a top contender for the next COAS.