Khawaja Asif rules out reports of a deadlock over the name of the new army chief

ISLAMABAD, Nov 21, (SABAH): Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif announced on Monday that the process of making appointments to the top slots of the Pakistan Army had begun.

The defence minister made the announcement in a tweet, adding that the process would be completed soon in line with all constitutional requirements.

Separately, in an informal talk with reporters in Islamabad after meeting with Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Khawaja Asif ruled out reports of a deadlock over the name of the new army chief. “There is no deadlock. Once the summary is received, then a discussion will be held,” the senior PML-N leader said.

The defence minister said the prime minister would take the army leadership into confidence, following which a decision would be taken. “Currently, there are five to six senior-most candidates. But no decision has been taken as yet on the names.”

Khawaja Asif said that consultations over the current state of affairs were taking place on a daily basis. “I had also informed the media earlier that the process [of appointments] would start on Monday,” he said.

He also went on to say that the government was not facing “any pressure” and was also not in any haste.

The minister said that a “dossier” and a summary would be sent to the Prime Minister House. “Subsequently, the prime minister will formalise everything and send his recommendations to President Dr. Arif Alvi for approval.”

When asked to comment on when a formal decision could be expected, the minister responded: “Maybe by tomorrow or the day after.”

Khawaja Asif said that the entire process will be completed by November 25 and refuted reports of deadlock over the appointment and stressed that government allies are being consulted at every level.

Khawaja Asif said that prime minister will fully take the military leadership into confidence regarding the names and then the decision will be taken regarding the names.