PM wanted to appoint pro-democratic military expert as army chief

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif wanted to appoint an army chief who should be military expert as well as pro-democracy.

A careful review of General Qamar Bajwa’s profile clearly reflects that his pro-democracy credentials earned him the post of Chief of Army Staff.

All the four generals being considered for the post of COAS were passed out from military academy on the same day but undoubtedly General Bajwa has an experience more diversified than all others. General Bajwa’s calibre, credentials, experience and holding the biggest core also helped him to be appointed the Chief of Army Staff.

Talking to the News, PML-N Senator, Lt General (R) Abdul Qayyum said there was no difference in the credentials of all the four generals who were being considered for the top slot in army however it was prime minister’s discretion to appoint anyone among the four candidates.

“Prime Minister definitely wanted an army chief who is supportive of democratic system in the country, who believes in the supremacy of Parliament and who could work for the betterment of the country. These were the major points what I believe the prime minister would have taken into consideration before appointing the COAS. I believe General Qamar Bajwa possesses all these elements due to which he has been given the top slot in Pakistan Army,” commented General (R) Qayyum.

To a question about General Qamar Bajwa’s positive role in 2014 sit in, he said he was not sure about any such information however if he had played a positive role, it was his duty as they took oath to protect the Constitution of Pakistan.

Talking about the decision of ruling out General Ashfaq Nadeem for the top slot, General (R) Qayyum said there’s no doubt General Ashfaq Nadeem is a competent general however it was prime minister’s prerogative. The premier wanted an all rounder for the top slot in Pakistan Army who could not only run the institution of Pak Army but his relation with the civil government was also important.

“It is to be seen in the coming days how he takes Pakistan’s relation with Afghanistan, how he handles the situation on Line of Control (LoC) and how he deals with the other neighbouring countries. The prime minister must have taken the decision for the best interest of Pakistan”, he remarked.

Talking to the News, former Corp Commander Karachi Lieutenant General (R) Sajjad Ghani said there was no major difference in the credentials of the four candidates for the top slot. However it was up to the prime minister’s discretion who saw his suitability in terms of working relations with the civilian government. Therefore, he said this was not a surprise for those who were aware of the system of Pakistan Army.