Gilani announces 3-year extension in Army Chiefs service
Pakistan
Gilani announces 3-year extension in Army Chiefs service
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani has announced 3-year extension in the service of Army Chief General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani starting from November 29, 2010. In a televised address, the PM said that the government is fighting war of terrorism with peoples backing. The Army completed successful military operations in Swat, Malakand and Waziristan under the leadership of COAS Kayani. The ongoing army operations have entered into a critical juncture. And it is necessary to have continuity in the leadership of Army. Army Chiefs capabilities are seen with respect all across the world. So, it is decided with the consultation of President Asif Ali Zardari to give COAS a three years extension. He said he made this decision easing the present policy. General Kayani who succeeded Gen Musharraf as Pakistans 14th army chief on November 29, 2007, is a recipient of Hilal-i-Imtiaz and Hilal-i-Imtiaz (Military) for his meritorious services. He served at various levels of command including his stint as Director General Inter Services Intelligence. Besides being Chief of Staff Corps, General Kayani has also held the coveted post of Director General Military Operations. General Kayani is a graduate of Fort Benning (USA), Command and Staff College Quetta, Command and General Staff College Fort Leavenworth (USA), Asia Pacific Center for Security Studies, Hawaii (USA), and National Defence College Islamabad. He possesses wide ranging experience in Command, Instructional and staff appointments and has commanded an infantry Battalion, Infantry Brigade, Infantry Division and a Corps. Director Current Affairs Dunya News Nasim Zehra said that it is not big news as it was expected because of leakage of the news. But it is the first time any government has extended service of an army chief. She said that a question raises here that Army is a professional institution then there was no need to get extension by the COAS. She said that the decision is also made that the government feels secure having Kayani as the COAS. Director News Dunya News Fahad Hussain said that it is an important development as there are number repercussions of this decision. The decision is also important to have continuity of military leadership because of ongoing war on terror. He said that American pressure behind this decision cannot be ruled out. He said it is the first Army Chief who is given extension, otherwise in the past, all army chiefs themselves extended their service through coups. Senior Analyst Nusrat Javed while talking to Dunya News said that if the government has decides to give extension, then speculations should have been avoided. He said that this is a good decision. He said that this is the second time an army team got extension as Ayyub Khan was given extension. He fears it is possible that Nawaz Sharif may oppose the decision. He said that it is possible COAS may become Commander in Chief in 6 months. Senior Analyst Haroon Rashid while talking to Dunya News said that the decision was already taken few weeks ago. He said Gen. Kayani didnt want to get extension in his service. He said most of the parties will welcome the decision but the opponents have right to oppose the decision. The decision would be welcomed due to the behavior of the Army Chief, he added. Senior Analyst Talat Masood while talking to Dunya News said that it is a good decision as Army Chief supervised successful army operation. He kept him away from politics and had high standing at international level. He said that nobody should be given extension in any case because institutions should be stronger than personalities. He said that the decision will strengthen the (Army) institution. Major Gen. (R) Jamshed Ayyaz while talking to Dunya News said that COAS leads from the front, reaches everywhere, has ability to effectively fight terrorists. He said he has popularity among the citizens. So, the decision was right at this stage. Senior Analyst Hassan Nisar said that this is a good decision. And it was necessary to have continuity of army leadership in war on terror. He said as we are passing through a unique and critical phase of time, so in this situation, it was a requirement. He said that different stakeholders want Army Chief to stay. Director World Affairs Dr. Moeed Pirzada said that Clinton in her visit lobbied to get extension in the service of COAS Kayani. He said for Pakistans political process it is a negative decision but strategically (due to war on terror and McChrystals ouster) it is a positive decision. Kamal Ali Agha of PML-Q has welcomed the decision. He said that it was a very important decision but the government delayed to announce it. He said that war on terror makes it necessary to keep Gen. Kayani. He said that the decision should be announced before Clintons visit. Defence Analyst Akram Sehgal said that as COAS improved the morale of army, and led military operations. In these circumstances, the decision is a positive one. Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid said that it is the biggest decision in Pakistans politics. He said that he had told that when Nawaz Sharif will go abroad, a big decision would be announced. He said that the decision has been taken on right time. He said that Shahbaz Sharif has contact with Army. He said that no party will oppose the decision. Senior Analyst Mujeebur Rehman Shami also lauded the decision. Other parties representatives were also reached by Dunya News but they didnt comment on the decision.
