PTI leader and President Dr. Arif Ali Alvi has decided to support Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif over the appointment of the next Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
According to the details, President Arif Alvi has reportedly said that he will follow through on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s advice regarding the appointment of the COAS. While talking to his close aides, President Alvi said that he could not create hurdles in the much-anticipated process.
“I do not have the legal authority to stop the prime minister’s advice; I have never interfered in the affairs of the state,” President Alvi said.
Read more: Undesirable hype over the new COAS
While confirming the President’s stance, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said the president would fulfill his constitutional duty when it comes to the crucial appointment. He also revealed that PTI Chairman and former Prime Minister Imran Khan will also support any decision taken by the President.
“The President of the State will fulfill his constitutional responsibility in the appointment of the Army Chief. Let me make it clear that whatever step the President of the State takes will have the full support of Imran Khan,” Fawad Chaudhry revealed.
آرمی چیف کی تقرری کے ضمن میں صدر مملکت اپنی آئینی ذمہ داری ادا کریں گے، صرف یہ واضع کر دوں صدر مملکت جو بھی قدم اٹھائیں گے اسے عمران خان کی مکمل حمائیت حاصل ہو گی
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) November 18, 2022
Imran Khan has time and time again called for the appointment of the army chief on “merit”. However, he recently said that his party will be sitting back and watching, as the government decides to appoint the next army chief.
Meanwhile, before consulting the ruling partners, PM Shehbaz approached his brother, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif regarding the decision. In a meeting in London, both the leaders agreed to appoint the military’s senior-most officer as the next army chief.
Read more: No major changes to Army Act being considered by PML-N govt.
Currently, COAS Bajwa is conducting his farewell visits as he is set to retire soon. Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif on Tuesday said that consultations on the army chief’s appointment will begin after November 18 or 19.