Gen Bajwa during his address at a security workshop held on Friday said that he had no plans whatsoever of taking another extension as the chief of the armed forces of the country. He reiterated his intent to step down in 5 weeks.
The categorical denial has dispelled rumors rife in Islamabad about a potential extension in the army chief’s term. This announcement follows his earlier remarks made at an event in Washington DC where he expressed his intent to step down.
“The COAS once again ruled out military’s role in politics and stressed upon all sides to remain in their respective domains.”
He urged all political parties to come to common grounds to resolve all prevailing issues facing the country.
Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa or senior-most general Asim Munir may take on the role of the Chief of Defence Staff, a role that may be introduced in the days to come, according to journalist Shahid Maitla.
In a YouTube video, Maitla also pointed to another possible arrangement; Gen Asim Munir’s appointment as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.
“Gen Munir may be promoted as a four-star general,” he added. “This development will follow the precedence set during the Musharraf era when General Yousuf was promoted and made the VCOAS.
‘Gen Bajwa may become the new Chief of Defence Staff’, claims Maitla
Maitla also said that the army chief spoke about his earlier talks with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief. He asserted that there was no reality of the military’s involvement in Imran Khan’s ouster from power.
The journalist further added that Gen Bajwa held the PTI chief responsible for any outcome of his actions.
“Gen Bajwa spoke about dynastic politics and how the children of political leaders take over political parties.”
When asked about the children of generals joining military, the army chief stressed that there should be a due process for the children of political leaders to enter politics or join the country’s political parties.