News
Friday, July 23, 2010
Kayani to serve for 3 more years
* Gilani praises COAS’ record in war against terror
* Says continuation of army leadership vital for success in fightBy Irfan Ghauri
ISLAMABAD: In a dramatic development, Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday announced an extension of three years in the service of Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Kayani, who was due to retire on November 29, this year.
In a televised speech, PM Gilani praised the “remarkable” role of the army chief in the war against terrorism and the objectives achieved by the army under his leadership in militancy-hit areas of the country.
“The success of military operations could only have been achieved under General Ashfaq Kayani’s leadership. He has been involved in planning and monitoring of operations in militancy-hit areas. These operations are at a critical stage and successful continuation of these operations required continuation in military high command,” Gilani said. “General Kayani is held in high esteem at the international level due to his excellent military leadership qualities and pro-democracy views. In the best interest of the nation, I, in a capacity as prime minister, have decided to give General Kayani a three-year extension in his service from November 29, 2010, relaxing the rules, and after consulting President Asif Ali Zardari,” Gilani said. He said the country was passing through difficult times, as the government was engaged in a war against terrorism.
Mainstream political parties including the PML-N, when contacted, opted not to give any immediate reaction to the development, saying they would announce their official statement later.
However, it is widely believed that the US played an important role in the decision, as Gen Kayani is actively engaged with the US and NATO in the strategic planning of the ongoing war against militancy.
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also believed to have lobbied for General Kayani’s extension during her recent visit to Pakistan where she met the country’s top civilian and military leadership.
General Kayani succeeded General (r) Pervez Musharraf as the 14th army chief of the country on November 29, 2007. He was the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general before being elevated to the rank of army chief. General Tariq Majeed, the current chairman of joint chiefs of staff committee, was considered a contender for the top military slot when Musharraf appointed Kayani as his successor in the army high command. If Gen Kayani’s service had not been extended, Lt Gen Khalid Shameem Wyne –who is next on the seniority list – was expected to get the post.
At present, the Pakistan Army has two generals, 28 lieutenant generals and around 170 major generals. Three lieutenant generals were given one-year extensions in the past few months, including ISI DG Lt Gen Shuja Pasha.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk