foreign minister khawaja asif to represent pakistan during the trilateral foreign ministers 039 talks on december 26 photo afp

Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif to represent Pakistan during the trilateral foreign ministers' talks on December 26. PHOTO: AFP

ISLAMBAD:

The formal process to appoint the next army chief is set to kick off “very shortly” as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who otherwise spends his weekends in Lahore, stayed in the federal capital to make the imminent decision.


Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told a private TV news channel that the process for the appointment of the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) would start on Monday.


However, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah said the new army chief would be announced in the next couple of days.


The conflicting statements being given by the two ministers suggest that the government is under serious stress, as some observers are of the view that this may indicate a possible deadlock between the civil and military authorities on the selection of the next army chief.


With all eyes on the prime minister, official sources said “closed door consultations” were under way in the corridors of power to develop a consensus among the stakeholders for the key appointment.


The process, the sources added, for the appointment would begin “very shortly”. However, they did not elaborate if the decision was imminent on Friday night or within the next couple of days.


Some sources claimed the Prime Minister's Office might announce the appointment of a new army chief within 24 hours.


Although the appointment of the army chief is the sole prerogative of the prime minister, the coalition government is keen to consult all stakeholders before a final decision is made.


The move is aimed at reaching a broader consensus among the key stakeholders so that the decision serves the interests of the institution and the country.


Hectic political activities were witnessed in Islamabad in the last couple of days with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar holding a series of meetings, including with President Arif Alvi; PPP co-chairperson and former president Asif Ali Zardari; and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman in what appeared to be part of efforts aimed at ensuring smooth transition in the army command.


Dar's meeting with Alvi on Friday was seen as significant, as the summary of the army chief's appointment had to be signed by the president. There are rumours that the president, who happens to be a PTI leader, may block the summary at the behest of his party chief, Imran Khan.


The finance minister met the president and the leaders of coalition partners on behalf of PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and Prime Minister Shehbaz, who could not meet them in person after being diagnosed with Covid-19.