PML-N top leadership reiterates appointing Army Chief as per Constitution

LONDON, Nov 11 (SABAH): Following his crucial meetings with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and other party leaders in London, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Friday said that the army chief’s appointment will be Constitutionally decided.  He said the Army chief appointment is a constitutional matter and it will be decided according to the Constitution.

On November 2, Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif departed for London after wrapping up his two-day visit to Egypt to attend the COP27 summit. The premier after his fourth meeting during which he also met with Vice President Maryam Nawaz for over two hours is on his way to return to Pakistan.

In London, the prime minister and the PML-N chief took important decisions which also include deliberation over the next army chief’s appointment.

Two rounds of the meetings were also attended by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Punjab PML-N leader Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan. The meeting took a principle decision of prioritizing merit for the coveted military position. Sharif brothers will also take the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) leadership into confidence on the matter.

The prime minister’s visit to London came two weeks before the end of Chief of Army Staff Qamar Javed Bajwa’s tenure, who will retire on November 29. Meanwhile, PTI chief Imran Khan has also reiterated his stance on appointing the army chief on merit and criticised PM Shehbaz for consulting Nawaz Sharif for making this decision.

During his address to participants of his party’s long march in Gujrat via video link, Imran Khan said: “Whoever fits the merit, should be appointed the army chief.”