Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif responded to media speculation about changes to the Pakistan Army Act (PAA) by making it clear that the administration is not planning any “big modifications” to the Act.
Asif referred to the media hysteria surrounding the PAA revisions as “uncalled for” in a tweet.
Media hype over amendments in Pakistan Army Act is uncalled for. Government is not considering any major changes in the said Act. SCP had demanded review of relevant clauses of PAA in its judgement in CP 39/2019 which shall be complied with in due course.
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 16, 2022
Khawaja Asif, the defence minister, stated that the administration is not planning any significant modifications to the Army Act.
He said that in a 2019 ruling, the Supreme Court had requested reconsideration of key Army Act provisions.
He further stated that the ruling of the Supreme Court would be followed in due order.
The defence minister’s statement follows a local daily’s assertion that significant legal changes would be made.
According to a report in a newspaper, the government “seems” to be thinking about amending the army act so that the prime minister, who serves as the hiring authority, would be able to retain “any candidate through a simple notification, rather than having to go through a complex, constitutional process.”
The report also stated that, following approval from the Ministry of Defense last month, the report would be presented to the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) with certain modifications. It will then be brought to the legislature for legislation.
The reports come as the army prepares for a change in leadership following General Qamar Javed Bajwa’s retirement next month as Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The army leader is currently busy making farewell visits.
The senior-most military official whose name would be at the top of the list provided to the prime minister will be appointed for the coveted position, according to PML-N, the largest stakeholder in the ruling coalition.
To read our blog on “Govt. rejected Imran Khan’s suggestion for COAS extension,” click here.
